Kenya has stepped-up efforts to expand maritime opportunities and boost global employability for Kenyan seafarers.

Deputy Head of the Public Service (DHOPS) Amos Gathecha said the initiatives, including new agreements with international shipping lines, would position Kenyan seafarers competitively in the global maritime labour market.

He spoke during a visit to the Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) in Mombasa where he was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs Aden Millah.

Gathecha lauded BMA’s role as a Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Blue Economy training and assured the academy of continued government support to strengthen international placements and partnerships.

BMA Chief Executive Officer Eric Katana showcased the academy’s state-of-the-art training facilities, reaffirming its readiness to equip trainees with globally recognised competencies.

The delegation later held talks with Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) Director General Omae Nyarandi, on fast-tracking Seafarers Identification Documents (SIDs) and finalising MoUs with foreign governments and international crewing agencies.

The process, expected to be concluded by October 2025, will unlock more jobs for Kenyans in the seafaring, shipping and cruise sectors.

Gathecha emphasised that government recognises the maritime sector’s immense potential for youth employment and is strengthening multi-agency collaboration to boost Kenya’s competitiveness in the global maritime industry.

PS Millah said the government is committed to removing barriers that limit Kenyans from securing placements abroad, noting that the MoUs would create thousands of job opportunities for the youth.

Nyarandi reaffirmed KMA’s commitment to uphold international training standards while deepening collaborations with shipping companies to expand employment pathways for Kenyan seafarers.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Jacqueline Adyang