The Seafarers Union of Kenya (SUK) has expressed serious concerns about a deteriorating situation in the maritime industry, highlighting that many workers are enduring months without pay while some are detained abroad under harsh conditions. This alarm comes as Kenya intensifies its investment in the blue economy, aiming to create jobs and empower the nation’s unemployed youth.
In an effort to enhance the sector, the Ministry of Labour has recently established the Seafarers Wages Council, intended to regulate working conditions, safeguard seafarers’ rights, and align local wages with international benchmarks. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure the welfare of maritime workers.
Despite these measures, SUK Secretary General Atie Ramadhan reports that a significant number of seafarers continue to live in poverty, facing exploitation and earning wages that fall below acceptable standards. The union’s calls for better conditions and fair compensation underscore the ongoing challenges within the industry, emphasizing the need for more effective oversight and support for maritime workers.
