Former Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Francis Gichiri Ndua is dead.
He died after an illness, his family said on Thursday October 23, 2025. He had served at KPA for six years up to June 2020.
Ndua was one of the country’s most distinguished maritime transport economists and a visionary leader who left an indelible mark on Kenya’s port development and maritime economics.
KPA MD Capt. William Ruto mourned Ndua as a monumental figure in Kenya’s maritime sector.
“On behalf of the Board and the entire Kenya Ports Authority family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and to all who had the privilege of working with him,” said Capt Ruto.
“Under his stewardship, the Authority achieved a historic milestone by recording one million TEUs in container traffic for the first time in 2014, a testament to his strategic foresight, determination, and unwavering commitment to modernization and efficiency.”
Internationally, he added, Ndua’s impact was equally profound as he earned international respect, by becoming the first elected President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) fifty years after its establishment.
“This milestone not only elevated Kenya’s standing in global maritime circles but also underscored the impact of his leadership on the continent’s Ports and transport economics.”
Beyond his professional accomplishment and tenure at KPA, Ndua will be remembered for his wisdom, integrity, and profound mentorship, he said.
Capt Ruto said Ndua contributed immensely as a consultant and as a steadfast stakeholder, sharing his wealth of knowledge through research and presentations that enhanced Kenya’s visibility in maritime global discourse.
He added how legacy extends beyond numbers and titles as it is expressed in the standards of excellence he set, the institutions he helped build, and the many professionals he mentored and inspired.
“While we mourn his departure, we also celebrate a life well lived, one characterized by service, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of progress for Kenya’s maritime sector and the broader economy. His work will continue to guide and inspire future generations of port professionals.”
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