The Shippers Council of Eastern Africa (SCEA) has announced Alpha Group's administrative director and former KRA Commissioner General John Msafari as the new chairman.
Msafari who has been the council's vice chairman takes over from Rashid Mohamed, whose two-year term has ended.
He will be deputised by Freight Forwarder Kenya Limited's legal and regulatory head Elizabeth Kimkung, who has been elected as the vice chairman.
The elections took place on September 4, during the board’s first meeting following the Annual General Meeting held on July 3.
Mohammed will be remembered for cementing SCEA’s position as the lead voice of cargo owners on matters of transport and logistics and enhancing members participation in SCEA activities, evidenced by their robust participation in various SCEA committees.
Msafari is expected to drive significant progress in the industry and foster greater collaboration, sustainability, and growth of the council.
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and an alumnus of the Centre for Corporate Governance.
Msafari boasts a wealth of experience, having served as Commissioner General Kenya Revenue Authority and advisor of the Gambia Revenue Authority.
He has served in a number of boards including Kenya Ports Authority, Central Bank of Kenya, Kenya Maritime Authority and Kenya Fishing Industries Corporation, amongst others.
"He brings a wealth of knowledge in the maritime industry and a vision for advancing the council’s mission and vision," SCEA said in a statement yesterday.
Kimkung on the other hand is a lawyer, a holder of a Master of Business Administration (USIU), Bachelor of Arts in International Business Administration (University of Exeter, UK), and is a director of several boards.
She is known for her strategic insights and commitment to the sector.
"Her appointment reflects the board’s confidence in her ability to support Mr. Msafari and contribute to the Council’s goals through her expertise and dedication," SCEA said.
Before, she served as the chairperson of the Budgets and Regulatory Committee of the Council.
Msafari and Kimkung will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of the Council in advocacy for an efficient, predictable, and competitive logistics sector, SCEA chef executive Agayo Ogambi noted.
SCEA is a business membership association representing cargo owners in Eastern Africa.
It uniquely focuses its advocacy initiatives on all modes of freight transportation and trade facilitation-related issues.
