The government is appealing to universities, industry players, and communities to come together and partner with the State to prepare the next generation of maritime professionals and create jobs for the youth.
State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs PS Geoffrey Kaituko, says the maritime industry is an integral part of the global economy, and it is evolving rapidly with new technologies, regulations, and opportunities.
The PS said the government has already cultivated excellent partnerships over the past few years with international shipping lines, global maritime organizations, and other maritime nations.
“To be competitive in this space, we need to work collaboratively. These partnerships are designed to provide our maritime students with the critical sea time they need for their training and eventual certification,” the PS said.
He was speaking during the award of accreditation of Mount Kenya University (MKU)’s new Malindi Maritime Academy by the Kenya Maritime Authority.
“As we mark World Maritime Day, the theme for this year, “Navigating the Future Together,” could not be more relevant to our gathering. We are not only celebrating MKU’s commitment to advancing maritime education but also a significant step towards positioning Kenya as a global leader in the blue economy,” he averred.
Kaituko said one of the biggest challenges for maritime graduates globally is securing sea time, a prerequisite for professional qualification.
“Through our collaborations with Germany, Japan, South Korea, China, and other major maritime nations, we have secured agreements that will allow Kenyan cadets, including those graduating from institutions like this academy, to undergo their sea-time training on international vessels,” he noted.
The PS said these opportunities are essential not only for the hands-on experience they provide but also for the exposure to international maritime standards and operations.
The State has also strengthened our relationships with leading shipping lines such as Maersk, CMA CGM, and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) to ensure that Kenyan cadets and maritime professionals are given priority for placement on their fleets.
“These partnerships are crucial for creating sustainable career pathways for our maritime graduates, enabling them to gain not just sea time but also long-term employment in global maritime industries. The Government is in discussions to create bilateral agreements with more countries to recognize Kenya’s maritime training certifications, specifically those issued by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA),” he added.
Dr Vincent Gaitho, Chairman, of the University Council at MKU said the momentous occasion marks not only the expansion of the institution’s educational horizons but also underscores MKU’s commitment to positioning Kenya as a global leader in maritime education and training.
“Just as Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama once navigated uncharted waters, we embark on a new journey to navigate the future of maritime education, innovation, and economic empowerment,” he said.
Dr Gaitho said the state-of-the-art facilities, including cutting-edge simulators and advanced training infrastructure, are designed to provide world-class Maritime Education and Training.
“We commit and strive to continuously offer internationally accredited programs which are meticulously crafted to meet the global demand for qualified seafarers and maritime professionals, ensuring our graduates are equipped to excel in a competitive international maritime sector,” he said.
The chairman said the new Malindi Maritime Academy is strategically established to address this challenge by creating a direct pathway to high-demand careers in the maritime sector.
“The global shortage of qualified maritime professionals presents a significant opportunity for Kenya to supply the workforce the world urgently needs,” he said.
The university has incorporated German and Korean language courses into its curriculum and many others will be added in the future.
The languages are pivotal in regions with high demand for maritime professionals, such as Germany and South Korea.
Dr Gaitho challenged the university’s administrators to ensure the total growth of the campus into a dynamic platform for job creation.
“Beyond providing exceptional education, let this institution be a catalyst for economic growth by fostering partnerships with industry stakeholders, encouraging entrepreneurial ventures among graduates, and spearheading research and innovation in maritime technologies,” he added.
He also pleaded with the Kenyan business community and international development partners and investors to explore opportunities and invest within the maritime sector.
“Traditional investments in real estate are valuable, but the maritime industry offers vast untapped potential. Investing in merchant ships, maritime vessels, and the broader supply chain can yield substantial financial returns while simultaneously driving job creation and economic diversification,” he noted.
MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi said the institution has also been accredited to offer Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) courses.
“These internationally recognized courses will form the foundation of the global maritime training, ensuring that seafarers meet the highest standards of safety, competence, and professionalism,” he noted.
The VC said MKU is committed to tackling youth unemployment and will work closely with industry partners to secure sea-time opportunities and employment pathways for its graduates, ensuring that they are not only well-trained and adequately skilled but also connected to global
“Beyond training, research and innovation will be critical parts of the new academy’s work. It comes at a time when the maritime sector is transforming, driven by technology, environmental sustainability concerns, and evolving global trade patterns.
“We are committed to fostering research initiatives that will help solve real-world challenges facing the maritime industry,” said the VC.