A new wave of hope emerged as the 24 members of the Chebloi Divers and Rescue Team graduated from Bandari Maritime Academy after completing a 10-day professional diving training.
They earned certificates in specialized maritime training under the School of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) and Ancillary Training.
The training was fully sponsored by Charlene Ruto, President Ruto’s daughter, while the Bandari Maritime Academy provided free accommodation to the team. The graduation ceremony, filled with celebration and pride, marked a significant step toward integrating inland youth into Kenya’s growing Blue Economy.
The Principal Secretary, State Department for Labour and Skills Development, Shadrack Mwadime who presided over the ceremony praised the Program’s impact, noting: “This is more than a graduation, it’s a national investment in skills and opportunity. These young people are the future of Kenya’s maritime industry.”
He emphasized the government’s commitment to informing Kenyans about the many opportunities available within the blue economy.
Mwadime also expressed delight in witnessing the graduates from Baringo, noting that this marks a significant step in equipping youth across the country with skills relevant to the maritime sector.
He noted that institutions like Bandari Maritime Academy played a key role in preparing Kenyans for seafaring careers and ensuring that all regions of the country are represented and benefit from the growing opportunities in this sector.
“Securing employment can be difficult, but having the right knowledge, strategies, and plan can increase the chances of success. It is important to empower young people with skills that will enable them to secure meaningful jobs, support their families, and uplift those who depend on them,” the PS said.
The graduates received training in lifeguard courses, Personal Survival Techniques, Firefighting and Prevention, Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibility, and Security Awareness.
Previously involved in informal water rescue efforts in Baringo’s flood-prone regions, they now possess globally recognized certifications.
Bandari Maritime Academy Chief Executive Officer Eric Lewa Katana, credited the PS with revitalizing key government logistics programs, championing youth engagement in the maritime sector, and strengthening environmental protection efforts through international collaboration.
“As we celebrate our graduates today, we also celebrate a leader whose vision continues to open doors for Kenyan youth and drive national transformation,” he said.
Ambrose Cheroitich, who has been diving for 12 years despite losing a leg in an accident, shared that diving remains his source of livelihood, though now he exerts more energy and sometimes needs assistance moving around.
He said that the experience was life-changing. “Coming from Chebloch River, I never thought I’d be a certified diver. We used to work without training, now we can serve professionally and safely,” he added.
He noted that they dive in the 80-feet-deep gorges of the Kerio River as part of entertainment for tourists. “When tourists come, we entertain them by diving at a price of Sh500 per diver,” Ambrose said adding: “We also help retrieve people who have fallen into the river as a result of an accident.”
Another graduate, Enoch Kipchirchir, treasurer of the Chebloch Divers and Rescue Team, credited First Daughter Charlene Ruto for helping sponsor their training and the college for their accommodation. “She believed in our community work and opened the door to this opportunity. We are grateful to her and Bandari,” he said.
This initiative not only highlights the resilience of the Chebloy team but also underscores the impact of strategic support in empowering grassroots talent.
“We are optimistic that the skills we have acquired throughout the training will help us secure jobs at the Kenya Maritime Authority and provide a chance at a monthly income as opposed to the daily 500 shillings’ payment we get by diving.
We also hope that the government will provide employment opportunities so we can utilize our newly acquired skills for our development and that of the country,” Enoch concluded.
By Shamim Musa and Covenant Njeru
