By ANDREW MWANGURA
newshub@eyewitness.africa
Kenya stands at a essential juncture in its maritime growth, a second ripe with potential but fraught with challenges.
The newest “Deep Dive on Seafarer Sustainability” report from the World Maritime College, commissioned by the Lloyd’s Register Basis, sheds gentle on the stark underrepresentation of African seafarers within the world workforce—simply 4 p.c, in comparison with Asia’s 50 p.c.
For a nation like Kenya, strategically positioned alongside East Africa’s shoreline and with entry to the Indian Ocean, this presents not solely a problem however a golden alternative to turn out to be a key participant within the world maritime business.
The worldwide transport business is getting ready to a workforce disaster, with conventional seafaring nations going through declining curiosity in maritime careers. Africa, with its burgeoning youth inhabitants, presents an untapped useful resource, and Kenya, given its maritime heritage and geographical benefits, is uniquely positioned to bridge the hole. However to take action, daring motion is required.
Kenya’s location alongside the East African coast, with Mombasa port serving as a significant gateway to East and Central Africa, offers it a definite edge. But, the query isn’t whether or not Kenya ought to develop its maritime workforce, however how shortly it may well scale up its efforts to take action. The federal government should urgently spend money on maritime coaching and training to make sure it capitalises on this chance.
A key suggestion is the institution of a Nationwide Maritime Workforce Growth Authority. Such an authority, working underneath the Ministry of Blue Financial system and Maritime Affairs, would oversee the event of a cohesive nationwide maritime workforce technique.
This physique would function a central hub, coordinating between coaching establishments, the maritime business, and worldwide stakeholders to create a complete and sustainable workforce growth plan.
A essential first step can be to modernise and broaden Kenya’s Maritime Training and Coaching (MET) infrastructure. This features a thorough audit of present coaching amenities such because the Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa and the creation of a five-year growth plan.
Key investments ought to deal with superior simulator applied sciences for engine room and bridge operations, in addition to the institution of coaching centres in coastal counties like Lamu, Kilifi, and Kwale to achieve a broader pool of expertise.
Moreover, the federal government should create a scholarship fund geared toward high-potential college students, significantly from coastal and inland areas, to encourage extra younger folks to pursue maritime careers.
This fund ought to cowl tuition, certification prices, and change programmes with established maritime nations just like the Philippines, Singapore, and Norway—nations with confirmed observe information in maritime training.
The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) must also collaborate with the Worldwide Maritime Group (IMO) to make sure that coaching programmes meet the best worldwide requirements. This won’t solely enhance the standard of Kenya’s maritime workforce but additionally improve the employability of its graduates on the worldwide stage.
Furthermore, the institution of bilateral recognition agreements with main flag states would streamline the certification course of and cut back obstacles to entry for brand spanking new seafarers.
One other essential space for focus is gender inclusivity. The World Maritime College report emphasises the necessity for larger illustration of girls in maritime roles. Kenya has the chance to cleared the path in East Africa by establishing a devoted initiative to assist feminine professionals within the business.
This might embody focused scholarships, mentorship networks, and partnerships with maritime corporations to make sure gender equality within the office.
Along with these initiatives, Kenya ought to pursue funding alternatives from worldwide our bodies just like the World Financial institution and the Worldwide Labour Group (ILO) for infrastructure growth and seafarer welfare.
By additionally providing tax incentives to corporations that practice Kenyan cadets or obtain gender variety targets, the federal government can create a supportive setting for the expansion of the maritime sector.
Positioning Kenya as East Africa’s maritime training hub is not only a social growth technique—it’s an funding within the nation’s future. The potential financial influence is important.
The remittances from seafarers alone may increase the Kenyan financial system by thousands and thousands of {dollars} yearly, whereas the event of high-value maritime companies corresponding to ship administration, maritime legislation, and marine insurance coverage would additional diversify and strengthen the financial system.
The Lloyd’s Register Basis report makes it clear that the maritime sector stands at a crossroads. Kenya has an distinctive alternative to turn out to be a frontrunner in African maritime growth, however provided that the federal government acts decisively.
By investing in coaching, infrastructure, and gender equality, Kenya may create 1000’s of high-quality jobs, contribute considerably to the worldwide maritime workforce, and cement its place as a maritime powerhouse in East Africa.
Now’s the time for daring motion. Kenya’s maritime future is ready to be realised.
The author is a veteran service provider mariner.
