The modern labour market, both local and international, is increasingly based on skills and skills development and Kenya is positioned superbly to penetrate it more successfully.
This is because Kenya’s labour index is in good standing in the world because countries all over the globe are rushing for Kenyan workers because of their skills and competencies.
Shipping and Maritime Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Geoffrey Kaituko on Thursday said that is why Kenya is turning into a labour-exporting country.
“We have many young people. Some of them are desirous of getting jobs in global labour markets. And so, as a country, we wanted to position ourselves strategically.
“Previously, when I served in the Labour Ministry, I was able to send out bilateral labour agreements to 19 countries because we recognized the fact that while we are dealing with unemployment, there are equally other countries that need a skilled labour force from Kenya,” Kaituko said.
He spoke during the 11th graduation ceremony of the Technical University of Mombasa, where over 4,000 students graduated.
The PS said the graduates are coming out at the right time because Kenya is working on creating jobs both domestically and abroad, especially in the blue economy sector.
“It is therefore vital that the Education and training programs align with both national policies and international conventions such as the International Maritime Organization’s Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for seafarers,” he said.
“By adhering to these standards, we ensure that our graduates are globally competitive and capable of securing employment in international waters,” PS Kaituko said.
He noted that since 2011, Kenya has been in the IMO whitelist, meaning those who do maritime education programs in Kenya are qualified to work onboard vessels from other countries.
“That is a standard we want to maintain,” Kaituko said.
Now an integral part of the country’s economic sectors, the Blue economy encompasses diverse activities such as mining, fisheries, aquaculture, oil and gas, renewable ocean energies, tourism, maritime transport, among others.
He said the government is committed to creating an enabling environment for the maritime sector to thrive, adding that strengthening maritime governance is the cornerstone of the commitment.
Kaituko said the maritime industry is an indispensable pillar of global trade and economic development, with over 90 per cent of the world’s goods being transported by sea.
“The need for highly skilled and competent maritime professionals cannot be overemphasized. Kenya therefore positions itself as a key player by ensuring that our institutions of higher learning, and in particular universities and colleges, are equipped to deliver education and training that meets both national and international standards,” he said.
He said the need to invest in capacity building to get the right competences while imparting knowledge remains a top priority, besides investing in modern equipment and machinery to complement theoretical learning in simulated environments.
The PS however said the responsibility to harmonize and align the training does not solely lie with the government, but takes a collective effort from all stakeholders.
He said TUM is fast becoming the premier maritime educational university in the region.
TUM Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Leila Abubakar said that over 4,000 graduates are ready to step into the labour market.
“You now step boldly into the world equipped to face the challenges and opportunities ahead,” the VC said.
She noted that TUM continues to grow as a centre of knowledge, innovation and opportunities.
Prof Abubakar said the graduation ceremony’s theme, “Technological transformation for sustainable opportunities within the blue economy”, reflects the shared responsibility in safeguarding the planet’s future.
“It highlights the intersection of innovation, sustainability and the vast untapped potential of the blue economy,” she said.
Abubakar said the theme is not only a theme, but a call to action and a reminder that the solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges lie within grasp.
“So as you leave TUM, we are confident that you will embrace the opportunities before you and not only will you be able to go through these challenges, but we believe you will be able to undertake more research and opportunities that will come,” she said.
She said that over 4,000 graduates are at the forefront of the transformative shift having been equipped with the tools and ways in sustainable development, economic growth and environmental conservation.
“The blue economy is increasingly seen as a key driver of growth and the next frontier of development offering innovative solutions to global challenges from climate change to food security. At TUM, we believe education is the key to addressing these challenges,” Prof Abubakar said.
She stated that TUM recently launched its Institute of Maritime and Studies, and has already received full approval for Seafarers Medical First Aid course.
“TUM is the only maritime training institution to have this approved Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) course,” Abubakar said.
By Hussein Abdullahi
