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.
The BMA CEO noted that the agreement is expected to increase demand for maritime training and certification, urging more Kenyans to enroll in maritime courses at the academy.
“As a regional centre for maritime training, we are ready to train the seafarers required by Norwegian shipping firms and other maritime employers across the world,” he said.
Dr. Katana further highlighted the academy’s world-class training infrastructure, which equips students with the practical skills required in the maritime sector. The facilities include a Full Mission Bridge Simulator, Gantry Crane Cargo Simulator, Engine Room Simulator, and an Aquatic Centre.
He said the state-of-the-art facilities enable the academy to provide comprehensive training across various maritime disciplines, ensuring graduates meet international standards and are ready for employment in the global shipping industry.
Meanwhile, the academy is expanding maritime training opportunities through its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme.
Dr Katana said the programme is designed to help individuals with existing skills and experience gain formal certification for sea and offshore operations. He noted that the initiative is aimed at increasing the pool of qualified personnel required to support Kenya’s growing Blue Economy.
The RPL programme provides an avenue for experienced workers to have their knowledge, skills and competencies assessed and certified, enabling them to access more opportunities within the maritime sector,” said Dr Katana.
The programme targets individuals who have acquired practical skills through work experience but may lack formal qualifications. By recognising and certifying these competencies, BMA is helping bridge the skills gap in the maritime industry while enhancing employability.
Some of the courses currently offered under the RPL programme include Forklift Operations, Coxswain Grade III, Clearing and Forwarding, Terminal Tractor Operations, Cargo Documentation, Lifeguard Training, Gantry Crane Operations, Firefighting and First Aid, Warehouse and Stores Management, as well as Rescue Boat and Survival Techniques.
Dr Katana emphasised that the initiative is aligned with national efforts to develop a skilled workforce capable of driving growth in Kenya’s maritime and blue economy sectors.
by Sadik Hassan
