Kenya has recently signed agreements with international ship-owning organizations, enhancing job prospects for local seafarers. The Mutual Recognition Agreement with Singapore allows Kenyan seafarers to work on Singapore-registered vessels globally. This initiative boosts Kenya’s maritime training credibility and connects its talent to extensive shipping networks, creating stable job opportunities.
Kenyan seafarers will soon need an internationally recognized Seafarer Identification Document (SID) to enhance mobility and security. This initiative, announced by Immigration Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang, aims to prevent job losses linked to noncompliance with maritime regulations. The SID, expected within three months, will meet global standards for seamless border crossing.
Kenya has 11,000 seafarers, as recent statistics indicate, prompting government efforts to streamline the sector. President’s directives include expediting Seafarers Identification Document production. Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has appointed a Seafarers Wages Council. Recent evacuations of abandoned seafarers highlight ongoing welfare concerns, with calls for engagement with registered agencies.
Ship owners and shipping agents support the government’s plan to establish a Seafarers’ wages council, aiming to improve terms and conditions for Kenyan seafarers. The proposed council will include representatives from COTU, FKE, KMA, and the Ministry of Labour, following consultative meetings with various stakeholders in the industry.
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