Kenya Ports Authority CEO goes for BOBEA Leadership Awards
Kenya Ports Authority CEO Captain William Ruto. (Photo/ Courtesy)
By Andrew Mwangura
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
At a time when institutions are judged not only by their outcomes but by the integrity and innovation behind those outcomes, Captain William Ruto stands as a transformative figure in Kenya’s public service.
His nomination for Best CEO in the ongoing BOBEA Leadership Awards presents an opportunity to celebrate a leader whose stewardship of the Kenya Ports Authority has fundamentally reshaped East Africa’s maritime landscape.
Under Captain Ruto’s leadership, KPA has evolved from a regional port into a continental powerhouse, achieving record-breaking cargo throughput of 35.2 million tonnes in 2024—a remarkable 7.3% increase that reflects not just numerical growth but systematic transformation.
Container traffic surged to 1.52 million TEUs with an 8.2% year-on-year growth, while transit cargo to Uganda, Rwanda, DRC, and South Sudan reached 8.4 million tones, demonstrating the port’s expanding role as East Africa’s commercial gateway.
The operational excellence Captain Ruto has instilled is perhaps most visible in the dramatic reduction of vessel turnaround times from 4.8 days to just 3.2 days.
This achievement, coupled with the handling of 180,000 TEUs in transshipment cargo annually, positions Mombasa as Africa’s second-most efficient port—a continental recognition that speaks to world-class standards under his guidance.
The increase in cruise ship arrivals to 15 vessels annually further underscores the port’s growing international confidence and tourism potential.
Captain Ruto’s commitment to technological advancement has revolutionized port operations through comprehensive digitization and upgraded Terminal Operating Systems.
The expansion of Container Terminal 1 and the commissioning of the Kipevu Oil Terminal have enhanced fuel logistics while reducing costly demurrage.
His introduction of smart logistics systems aligns KPA operations with international benchmarks, creating a foundation for sustained competitiveness.
Equally significant is his unwavering commitment to governance reform. By instituting merit-based procurement and dismantling entrenched cartel influences, Captain Ruto has restored financial integrity to KPA operations.
Internal audits consistently show zero financial irregularities under his watch—a testament to the clean leadership that has become his hallmark.
His Green Port Policy initiative, encompassing clean energy adoption and comprehensive environmental compliance, positions KPA as a sustainability leader in Africa’s maritime sector.
Looking forward, Captain Ruto’s vision extends far beyond current achievements. Under his continued leadership, Mombasa and Lamu ports are poised to become transformational economic engines over the next five years.
The ongoing development of Lamu Port, strategically positioned along the LAPSSET corridor, represents perhaps the most ambitious infrastructure project in East Africa’s modern history.
Captain Ruto’s systematic approach to port development suggests that Lamu could indeed become the “Port Tangier of East Africa”—a reference to Morocco’s spectacular transformation of its Atlantic gateway into a continental transshipment hub.
The comparison to Port Tangier is particularly apt. Just as Morocco leveraged Tangier’s strategic location between Europe and Africa to create a world-class facility handling over 7 million TEUs annually, Lamu’s position along major shipping routes to Asia, Europe, and the Americas offers similar potential.
Singapore’s evolution from a colonial trading post to the world’s second-largest container port provides another compelling parallel.
Both examples demonstrate how visionary leadership, strategic investment, and operational excellence can transform regional ports into global maritime centers.
OECD countries offer additional models of port transformation. Rotterdam’s evolution into Europe’s largest port through continuous innovation and Hamburg’s integration of digital technologies showcase how traditional ports can maintain relevance through adaptive leadership.
Captain Ruto’s emphasis on technological integration and environmental sustainability mirrors these global best practices while addressing Africa’s unique logistical challenges.
The broader implications of Captain Ruto’s leadership extend beyond operational metrics. His work represents a paradigm shift in how African infrastructure can compete globally while serving continental development needs.
The increase in regional trade volumes, job creation across the maritime value chain, and enhanced connectivity to landlocked countries demonstrate the multiplier effects of excellent port management.
Captain Ruto’s nomination for Best CEO represents more than individual recognition—it acknowledges a leadership philosophy that combines operational excellence with transformational vision.
His achievements at KPA serve as a blueprint for public sector reform across Africa, proving that with the right leadership, African institutions can achieve world-class standards while driving continental integration and economic growth.
In supporting his nomination, we celebrate not just past achievements but the promise of an even more dynamic future for East African maritime commerce.
The writer is a policy analyst specializing in maritime governance and blue economy development.
