In the dynamic world of logistics and shipping, where efficiency and precision are key, Wairimu Kiama has steadily emerged as a respected leader shaping the industry’s future in East Africa.
Currently serving as country manager at Express Shipping & Logistics (EA) Ltd. (ESL), Wairimu brings over a decade of industry experience, marked by steady growth, operational excellence, and strong client focus. Since joining ESL in 2017, she has grown through multiple roles—from Key Accounts Executive to Country Operations Manager—before assuming her current leadership position in February 2025.
Throughout her career, Wairimu has played a pivotal role in optimizing core shipping operations, enhancing customer experience, and driving internal accountability. In her previous role as Country Operations Manager, she led key initiatives, including the standardization of clearance processes, vessel turnaround time improvement, and the rollout of service-level agreements and performance indicators that improved operational transparency.
Her leadership has been particularly notable in managing specialized cargo segments such as fertilizer, clinker, coal, gypsum, wheat, and project cargo—all critical to the region’s infrastructure, agriculture, and energy sectors. She has worked closely with stakeholders to ensure cargo handling meets client expectations while complying with regulatory requirements.
Wairimu’s background in key account management also informs her strong commercial acumen. She has successfully managed a portfolio of premium clients, including development partners and bulk commodity firms, focusing on providing tailored logistics solutions that are responsive to client needs. Her work with organizations such as One Acre Fund and Maisha Minerals reflects her ability to combine customer service with scalable logistics support.
Her strengths are not limited to operations and commercial strategy. Wairimu is also committed to team development and capacity building, having initiated internal training sessions and cross-departmental collaboration frameworks. Her leadership style is known for being supportive, structured, and goal-oriented—qualities that have helped her teams navigate operational pressures and deliver consistent results.
“She leads by example,” notes a colleague. “She understands the business on the ground, and she builds trust—both internally and with our clients.”
Wairimu also plays a key role in ESL’s relationships with transport vendors and regulatory bodies, ensuring cost-effective, compliant, and dependable service delivery. Her involvement in industry forums and stakeholder engagements highlights her understanding of the wider logistics ecosystem in the region.
Her career began in customer service and pricing roles at DHL Express Kenya and Freight in Time, where she developed a strong foundation in regional logistics, customer support, and international shipment management. This experience continues to shape her customer-first approach.
Wairimu holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Procurement & Supply Chain Management from the University of Nairobi and is also a qualified CPA. Her professional development includes leadership and port operations training, reflecting her belief in continuous learning.
Looking ahead, Wairimu is focused on enhancing digital integration, policy engagement, and regional logistics coordination to support ESL’s growth strategy. Her goal is to contribute to a more efficient and responsive supply chain network across East Africa.
“As the logistics landscape evolves, so must we. I’m committed to shaping a supply chain ecosystem that’s smarter, more agile, and truly connected across East Africa and the world at large,” she said.
Based in Mombasa, ESL is a leading logistics and freight forwarding company established in 2001, offering end-to-end supply chain solutions to clients across Eastern and Central Africa. The company provides a full range of services, including sea, air, and road freight; customs clearance; project cargo management; warehousing; and cross-border logistics to countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the DRC.
As a licensed customs agent and vessel operations handler at the Port of Mombasa, ESL supports importers, exporters, NGOs, manufacturers, and government agencies with compliant, timely, and cost-effective cargo movement. Their value-added services include supply chain consultancy and regional distribution support, making ESL a reliable partner for businesses across the region.
Complementing its operational services, ESL offers consultancy and supply chain advisory, helping clients streamline logistics strategies and improve efficiency across their supply chains.
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.
