Captain William Kipkemboi Ruto was born in Eldoret, Rift Valley Province, Kenya, in 1966. He joined the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in 1991 as a Cadet Marine Deck Officer. Ruto quickly rose through the ranks, taking on increasingly senior positions, including General Manager (Operations) and Harbour Master.
Education and Qualifications
Captain Ruto holds an MBA in Strategic Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and a Class 1 Master Mariner seafarer qualification from South Tyneside Marine College, UK. He is also an associate fellow of the Nautical Institute (AF-NI) and a member of the International Harbour Master’s Association, UK.
Career Highlights at KPA
In his role as Harbour Master, Captain Ruto was responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of ships into and out of Mombasa port. He implemented several measures that led to the reduction of vessel waiting time, improved port efficiency and enhanced the port’s overall performance.
In 2016, Captain Ruto was appointed as the Managing Director of Kisumu Port. He oversaw the implementation of a range of initiatives aimed at boosting the port’s performance and promoting the growth of the local economy.
Appointment as KPA Managing Director
Captain Ruto’s appointment as KPA Managing Director comes at a time when the authority is seeking to enhance its performance and contribute towards the growth of the Kenyan economy. His vast experience in the maritime sector, coupled with his strategic leadership skills, make him a valuable addition to the KPA team.
Appointment Process
Captain Ruto was selected from a pool of over 75 applicants who applied for the position of KPA managing director. The recruitment drive was carried out by the KPA Board of Directors in December 2022.
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His appointment was welcomed by Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen, who praised his wealth of experience and expertise in the maritime industry. Captain Ruto’s appointment is expected to bring stability and continuity to KPA, following a period of uncertainty caused by the resignation of Daniel Manduku in 2020.
As KPA Managing Director, Captain Ruto is expected to steer the authority towards achieving its mandate, which includes promoting and facilitating international trade, maintaining and developing infrastructure and ensuring the efficient and effective management of port operations.
As he takes on his new role, Captain Ruto’s commitment to workers’ rights and his extensive knowledge of KPA operations are expected to drive the authority’s growth and development.
