Experts: Use retired Kenya Navy ships to train local seamen

Engineering cadets under instruction aboard a cargo ship at the Mombasa port.The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) projects a shortfall of 89,000 qualified officers by 2026. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

Recently retired Kenya Navy vessels, KNS Galana and KNS Tana, should be converted into training vessels for merchant mariners aspiring to work onboard seagoing vessels.

Maritime experts say given that most universities and colleges are unable to afford the training vessels, the two ships should act as common training facilities for all.