OPINION | Kenya needs to invest in seafarers training to unlock the country’s maritime potential

Bandari Maritime Academy is the Maritime Training Institution of Kenya’s Prime Minister. Photo/UGC.

By Andrew Mwangura

newshub@eyewitness.africa

Kenya is in a critical situation in her maritime development, a moment full of potential but full of challenges.

The latest report “Deep Dive On Seafarer sustainability” of the World Maritime University, commissioned by the foundation of the Lloyd registry, sheds light on the solid concentration of the African sea people in the global workforce.

For a national like Kenya, strategically located along the coast of East Africa and with access to the Indian Ocean, this presents not only a challenge but a golden opportunity to become a key player in the global maritime industry.

The global maritime transport industry is on the verge of a workforce crisis, with traditional nations marine that face an interest in decline in maritime races. Africa, with its flourishing youth population, presents an unleashed resource, and Kenya, given its maritime heritage and its geographical advantages, is uniquely positioned to close the gap. But to do so, bold action is required.

Kenya’s location along the coast of East Africa, with the port of Mombasa that serves as a vital entrance to East and central Africa, gives a different advantage. However, the question is not whether Kenya should develop her maritime workforce, but how fast she can expand her efforts to do so. The government must urgently invest in maritime training and education to guarantee IT capital on this occasion.

A key recommendation is the establishment of a National Authority for the Development of the Maritime Work Force. Such authority, which operates under the Ministry of Economy and Maritime Affairs, would supervise the development of a Cohesive Maritime Labor Force strategy.

This agency would serve as a central center, coordinating between training institutions, maritime industry and international interested parties to create an integral and sustainable workforce development plan.

A first critical step would be to modernize and expand maritime education and training (with) of Kenya (with) infrastructure. This includes an exhaustive audit of existing training facilities, such as the Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa and the creation of an expansion plan of five years.

Key investments must focus on advanced simulator technologies for the operations of the machine room and the bridge, as well as the establishment of training centers in coastal counties such as Lamu, Kilifi and Kwale to reach a broader talent group.

In addition, the Government must create a scholarship fund aimed at high potential students, in part of the coastal and interior regions, to encourage younger to follow maritime careers.

This fund must cover the registration, the costs of certification and exchange of programs with maritime nations established as the Philippines, Singapore and Norway, countries with stories proven in maritime education.

The Maritime Authority of Kenya (KMA) must also collaborate with the International Maritime Organization (IMP) to ensure that training programs comply with the highest international standards. This will not only improve the quality of Kenya’s maritime workforce, but also improve the employability of its graduates in the global stage.

Moreoover, the establishment of bilateral recognition agreements with the main flag states would rationalize the certification process and reduce the entry barriers for new sailors.

Another critical area for the approach is gender inclusion. The World Maritime University Report emphasizes the need for greater representation of women in maritime roles. Kenya has the opportunity to lead the way in East Africa by establishing a dedicated initiative to support professionals in the industry.

This could include specific scholarships, tutoring networks and associations with maritime companies to guarantee gender equality in the workplace.

In addition to these initiatives, Kenya should seek opportunities for financing international organizations such as the World Bank and the International Labor Organization (ILO) for the development of infrastructure and welfare of sea people.

By also offering tax incentives to companies that train Kenya cadets or achieve gender diversity objectives, the government can create a support environment for the growth of the maritime sector.

Positioning Kenya as the Maritime Education Center of Eastern Africa is not just a social development strategy, it is an investment in the future of nations. The potential economic impact is significant.

The remittances of sea people could only boost Kenya’s economy in millions of dollars annually, while the development of high -value maritime services, such as ship management, maritime law and marine insurance, would diversify and strengthen the economy even more.

The Lloyd’s Register Foundation report makes it clear that the maritime sector is at a crossroads. Kenya has an exceptional opportunity to become a leader in African maritime development, but only the government acts decisively.

By investing in training, infrastructure and gender equality, Kenya could creators of high quality jobs, contribute significantly to the global maritime workforce and consolidate its place as a maritime power in East Africa.

Now is the moment of bold action. Kenya’s maritime future is waiting to be realized.

The writer is a veteran merchant sailor.