CS Murkomen appoints Captain Wi*liam Ruto as KPA boss ending 3-year standoff

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has appointed Captain William Kipkemboi Ruto as the Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), signalling an end to a three-year row that derailed the recruitment process.

In a statement on Friday, March 10, Murkomen appointed Ruto as KPA boss for a period of three years.

The CS said Ruto attained the highest score in recruitment interviews conducted by the KPA board recently.

A total of 75 applicants had expressed interest in the seat.

"After a rigorous and intensive recruitment process, the board of directors has this morning submitted a report and recommendation to my office for the appointment of Captain William Kipkemboi Ruto, having attained the highest aggregate score from the interview process," Murkomen said.

"Pursuant to and in accordance with the powers conferred to me under Section 5 (1) of the Kenya Ports Authority, Cap 391, and further in consultation with the board of directors, I have this morning appointed Captain William Kipkemboi Ruto as the Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority for a period of three (3) years effective immediately."

Until his appointment, Ruto was the General Manager of the Kisumu Port.

"Capt. Ruto is a seasoned mariner having started his career in 1991 at KPA as a Cadet Marine Deck Officer before rising through the ranks to be a General Manager, Operations and later a Harbour Master.

"...It is my belief that his wealth of experience spanning 32 years will be instrumental in ensuring the Authority delivers on its mandate to the people of Kenya and continues to contribute towards the growth of the Kenyan economy," Murkomen said.

Ruto holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Strategic Management option from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

He is an associate fellow of the Nautical Institute (AF-NI) and a member of the International Harbour Master’s Association (UK).

The position of Managing Director at KPA has been vacant for the last three years following the exit of Daniel Manduku who resigned in March 2020.

There were many unsuccessful attempts by the KPA board to competitively fill the position with the directors making several appointments in an acting capacity to ensure the continuity of the authority's businesses.

In June 2020, a court in Mombasa stopped the hiring process of the MD following a petition lodged by a local lobby group.

In the case, the Commission for Human Rights and Justice sued the KPA board, Transport Ministry and Attorney-General Kariuki Kihara to halt the recruitment of new ports agency boss until the board is restructured.

In January this year, CS Murkomen appointed former Kinango Member of Parliament Benjamin Tayari as chairperson of the KPA board and revoked the appointment of Joseph Kibwana who had held the position since June 2018.

In a gazette notice, Murkomen appointed Tayari to serve at the helm of the state corporation for a period of three years with effect from January 13, 2023.