Cadets from Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) have called for enhanced employment opportunities for maritime graduates, underscoring the critical role of youth in advancing Kenya’s Blue Economy agenda.
The Cadets made the appeal while participating in the Youth Leadership Summit held on Monday ahead of today’s official kickoff of the ‘11th Our Ocean Conference 2026’ in Mombasa.
Yesterday’s summit brought together young leaders, innovators, and ocean advocates from around the world to discuss sustainable ocean management, climate action, marine conservation, and the future of the Blue Economy.
Speaking on behalf of the cadets, Nicole Sulu said the Government has made significant strides in investing in maritime education and skills development through institutions such as BMA.
She noted that the next step is to ensure that graduates are able to transition into meaningful employment and exercise their expertise for national development.
“BMA is producing highly skilled and competent maritime professionals who are ready to support the growth of Kenya’s Blue Economy. As young people, we appreciate the investments underway in education and training, but there is also a need to create pathways that enable graduates to access employment opportunities and apply the skills they have acquired,” Sulu said.
She emphasized that strategic policies aimed at strengthening youth employment within the maritime sector would not only empower graduates but also help address the growing demand for qualified maritime professionals locally, regionally, and globally.
Participants at the summit further noted that Kenya is well-positioned to benefit from its vast maritime resources and that empowering young professionals through education, innovation, and employment will be key to unlocking the full potential of the Blue Economy.
The cadets’ participation in the conference reflects BMA’s commitment to nurturing future maritime leaders and providing learners with opportunities to engage in global conversations on ocean sustainability and economic development.
The 11th Our Ocean Conference continues to serve as a key platform for fostering collaboration among governments, academia, industry stakeholders, and youth in promoting sustainable ocean governance and creating opportunities for future generations.
By Sadik Hassan
