Who we Are

Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) was set up in June 2004 as the Government agency to take charge of maritime affairs in the country. KMA falls under the State Department of Transport in the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development.

Facts About the KMA

The Kenya Maritime Authority was established vide Presidential Order in 2004 to oversee the transfer of responsibilities in shipping matters from the Kenya Ports Authority to an autonomous State Corporation. In 2006, it was legally constituted under the Kenya Maritime Act, No 5 with its mandate being to “regulate, coordinate and oversee maritime affairs” in the country. In 2009, amended new version of the Merchant Shipping Act (Merchant Shipping Act 2009) was enacted, thereby creating a comprehensive and modern legal regime for merchant shipping in Kenya. The Act provides the basis for addressing maritime safety, security and training as well as opening opportunities for investment in water transport and related industries.