Where will Kenya get 20,000 seafarers to navigate ships locally?

“This means that the education and training offered in the country’s Maritime Education and Training institutions meets internationally recognised standards and hence Kenyan seafarers — once certificated — are able to compete globally for the available seafaring jobs,’’ Kagimbi explained.

According to Kagimbi, IMO estimates that currently, there is a global shortage of seafarers, that is, 83,900 officers and 450,000 ratings.

It, therefore, follows that there are numerous opportunities for properly qualified and certificated Kenyan seafarers not only locally but also globally. Currently, there are 5,000 registered Kenyan seafarers working in the international fleet and also manning ships and small crafts plying Kenyan waters,’’ he said in an email response to Job Centre.

The Authority is not involved directly in seeking or obtaining jobs for Kenyan seafarers. However, one of its major functions is to create an enabling environment for employment of Kenyan seafarers.  This includes registration of Kenyan crewing and placement agencies and safeguarding the rights and welfare of Kenyan seafarers.

In some cases though, the Authority has sought to negotiate with ship-owners and ship management companies to consider employing Kenyan seafarers.

The only companies registered and licensed by KMA to obtain jobs for Kenyan seafarers presently are Osmanship Limited and Kenya Seafarers Agency.

job placement

In 2010, KMA requested Pacific International Lines (PIL) for job placement and was offered training berths onboard its vessels for KMA’s staff employed as trainees.

“Through the sea training, they are expected to gain the knowledge, experience and certification in order to work as KMA Port State Control officers,’’ Kagimbi said.

The Authority was in talks with offshore oil and gas exploration companies, requesting them to consider employing Kenyan seafarers their offshore supply fleet. These talks are ongoing.

The IMO estimates that women make up only 2 per cent of the total current seafarers. In Kenya, the situation is not better. Hence, apart from a few women seafarers who operate in Kenyan waters, the country does not have any serving on board foreign going ships.

In effort towards gender balancing in the maritime sector, Kenya Maritime Authority  has been trying to create a lot of interest and buzz in maritime education and training among young Kenyans.