Academy welcomes Kenya–Norway pact to recruit 1,000 seafarers

SADIK HASSAN-KNA

Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) Chief Executive Officer Dr Eric Katana has hailed the agreement signed between Kenya and Norwegian shipping firms that will see at least 1,000 Kenyan seafarers employed by 2030.

A breakthrough deal, announced after a series of meetings in Oslo, Norway, includes commitments from leading maritime employers and industry stakeholders to recruit Kenyan maritime professionals.

An initial target of 120 Kenyan seafarers is expected to be achieved by the end of this year. Kenya’s delegation, led by the Head of State, met officials from the Norwegian Shipowners Association, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing the maritime and blue economy agenda through strategic cooperation with Norway.

The government is keen to explore investment and employment opportunities, knowledge exchange, skills development, technology transfer, and job creation across the maritime economy.

It is also exploring new shipping routes to boost trade, strengthen supply chain resilience, enhance connectivity between the ports of Mombasa and Lamu and Norwegian ports, and expand Kenya’s shipbuilding capacity.

The Kenya-Norway partnership is expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the maritime sector while opening up employment opportunities for Kenyan seafarers in international waters.

Speaking on the development, Dr. Katana said the agreement is a wake-up call to Kenyan youth on the numerous opportunities available in the global maritime industry.

“This agreement sends a strong message to Kenyan youth about the vast employment opportunities that exist within the international maritime sector. It is an opportunity for many young people to pursue careers that can transform their lives and contribute to the country’s economic growth,” said Dr Katana.