Seafarers want jobs aboard the new ferries

By Philip Mwakio

Kenyan seafarers want jobs aboard the two new ferries.

Speaking to Move It at a Mombsa hotel, the seafarers claimed those employed by the Kenya Ferry Service lacked seamanship knowledge.

The seafarers also want day jobs at the port of Mombasa tendered to them.

Deputy Secretary General of the Seamen Union of Kenya Joseph Ferunzi Kayemba said union members were better equipped to work aboard such vessels since they have knowledge on marine vessels.

"We are well trained to handle emergencies, security as well as life saving techniques and thus are equally capable to work on these new vessels,’’ said Kayemba.

His sentiments were echoed by Seafarers Assistance Programme Co-ordinator Andrew Mwangura, who said all maritime nations use qualified personnel to work on water-bound crafts.

Currently, there are close to 10,000 Kenyan seafarers who are jobless.

The seafarers have lauded efforts by the Kenya Maritime Authority Director General Nancy Karigithu over the placement of Kenya on the International Maritime Organisation white list.

"This is all we have been waiting for. We highly commend Karigithu for her tireless efforts to ensure that Kenya is on the white list,’’ Kayemba said.

Meanwhile, 16 Kenyans are among the 349 seamen in captivity offshore and inshore Somali by suspected pirates.

The Kenyans are aboard two fishing vessels, FV Sakoba and FV Taiyuan 227 respectively.

There are 24 vessels of various makes, which have been taken into captivity by pirates operating in the Indian Ocean and areas around Gulf of Arabia.