The appointment of CPA Justus Omae Nyarandi as Director General of the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has sparked debate among industry insiders. However, a closer look at his credentials reveals that Nyarandi is strategically positioned to steer KMA through the sector’s evolving challenges.
First, Nyarandi’s academic foundation is solid. Holding an MBA in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi, alongside professional certifications as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Public Secretary (CPS), he brings critical competencies in corporate governance, financial management, and institutional strategy—essential for an authority charged with regulating Kenya’s maritime sector. His ongoing doctoral studies in strategic management further demonstrate his commitment to lifelong learning and strategic leadership.
His work history strengthens the case for his suitability. Nyarandi’s 24 years of cumulative experience in both port operations and regional transport policy, including 12 years at Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), where he rose to General Manager Corporate Services, gives him deep operational insight into the maritime value chain. His tenure as Executive Secretary of the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA) is particularly significant: it exposed him to regional trade logistics, cross-border coordination, and strategic infrastructure development.
Critically, Nyarandi’s understanding of regional transport corridors positions him to drive KMA’s integration with broader logistics and trade facilitation agendas. Maritime operations do not operate in isolation, and his regional experience could enable KMA to anchor Kenya’s maritime sector as a catalyst for national and regional trade competitiveness.
His financial acumen cannot be understated. KMA, like other regulatory bodies, requires sound resource management to execute its mandate effectively. Nyarandi’s CPA background equips him to address institutional inefficiencies and oversee the prudent management of resources. His proven administrative leadership offers the necessary backbone to strengthen KMA’s internal systems.
Equally important is his strategic orientation. From overseeing corporate services at KPA to managing the Northern Corridor, Nyarandi’s career shows a pattern of handling complex organizations and multi-stakeholder environments. These skills are vital at a time when KMA must engage global maritime bodies, address emerging environmental regulations, and modernize Kenya’s maritime safety systems.
While he may lack direct technical experience in marine engineering or naval architecture, the contemporary challenges facing KMA demand not only technical expertise but also institutional reform and policy leadership. Technical functions such as ship registration, marine inspections, and pollution control are executed by professionals within KMA. The director general’s role, by contrast, demands high-level coordination, institutional strengthening, and policy direction—areas where Nyarandi’s experience is evident.
Moreover, Kenya’s maritime sector needs a leader who can champion the blue economy agenda, mobilize resources, and position the country competitively in regional and international maritime affairs. Nyarandi’s track record in regional advocacy and policy development makes him well-suited for this role.
In sum, CPA Justus Omae Nyarandi’s combination of corporate governance expertise, regional coordination experience, and strategic leadership training makes him well-suited to lead KMA at this critical juncture. His success will depend on how effectively he leverages his administrative strengths to build technical capacity within the authority and drive Kenya’s maritime sector forward.
This article was published by Githua Kihara, an editorial consultant for FEAFFA’s Freight Logistics Magazine. For any inquiries, please contact us via email at editorial@feaffa.com or freightlogistics@feaffa.com, or reach out to Andrew Onionga directly at onionga@feaffa.com / +254733780240.
