The General Manager in charge of Finance, Accounts and ICT at the Kenya Shipyards Limited (KSL), Julius Ambah Ong’ow, has passed away.
Ambah died on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Mediclinic Constantiaberg Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His family announced his death through an obituary published on July 11.
His body will be flown from South Africa to Nairobi and preserved at Lee Funeral Home ahead of burial.
“It is with profound sorrow that we, the family of our beloved Julius Ambah Ong’ow, announce his passing,” read part of the obituary.
“Julius faced his illness with exceptional bravery, seeking treatment in Kenya, India, and finally South Africa, fighting valiantly for over a year against a relentless adversary.”
Kenya Shipyard Limited General Manager Julius Ambah Dies of Cancer
Ambah joined KSL in January 2024, bringing with him over 25 years of experience in finance, strategy, and leadership across Africa and Europe.
Before joining KSL, he served as Chief Financial Officer at Bidco Africa from December 2022 to December 2023.
He had previously held the same role at The African Alliance Communications Group between January 2021 and December 2022.
Ambah had also worked with The Coca-Cola Company, where he held multiple senior roles across Europe and Africa.
From August 2016 to December 2020, he served as Regional Franchise Director for the Indian Ocean and Mid Africa Region, based in Nairobi, where he led strategic growth across key markets.
From March 2013 to March 2016, he worked as Performance Manager and Executive Assistant to the Business Unit President and CEO, playing a central role in planning, stakeholder engagement, and performance tracking.
He also led Coca-Cola’s strategic participation in global events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics.
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Professional Career and Education
Between January 2011 and February 2013, Ambah was posted to Greece as System Economics Director, where he coordinated a US$26 million joint venture to produce Cappy Pulpy juices in Romania, while also spearheading long-term profitability planning across Europe.
He played a key role in launching juice and still beverage lines across Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and more than a dozen African countries.
The deceased also led Coca-Cola’s re-entry into Somaliland by overseeing the establishment of a factory in Hargeisa.
From 2009 to 2010, he served as Finance Manager, and prior to that, held several roles with Coca-Cola Sabco between 1996 and 2008, including Finance Analyst, Management Accountant, Financial Accountant, and senior finance positions.
He began his career in 1996 as a Finance Analyst and Executive Assistant to the Finance Director at Coca-Cola Sabco before rising through the ranks.
He later served as a Management Accountant for three years from 2000, before becoming a Financial Accountant in 2003, a position he held for three years and three months.
In 2007, he was promoted to the rank of Finance Manager within the same company, a role he held for one year.
Julius held a Bachelor of Science in International Business Management (Finance and Accounting) from USIU-A and was a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) from Strathmore University.
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Personal Life and Final Journey
Julius Ambah Ong’ow was a husband to Priskilla Pete Ambah and a father to Kristal Ambah and William Ambah.
He was the son of Mzee William Ong’ow and Mama Silpah, and son-in-law of Eng. Joshua Pete and Mama Gaudencia Pete.
The family has invited friends, colleagues, and well-wishers to join them in honoring Julius’s life.
A Requiem Mass will be held on Wednesday, 16th July 2025, from 2:00 PM at Don Bosco Church, Upper Hill, Nairobi.
His burial will take place on Friday, 18th July 2025, at his rural home in Sango Buru Nyakwere Village, West Nyakach Location, Nyakach Sub County, Kisumu County.
“Wuod Kadiang’a, you fought to the last breath, kept your promises, and earned your sleep. Travel with the angels,” the family said.
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