NAIROBI, Kenya May 10 – The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, led by George Kariuki, has urged the leadership of the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), the Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA), and the Kenya National Shipping Line Limited to consider opening more training and employment opportunities to Kenyans from across the country.
The lawmakers shared the view in a working retreat with the PS in the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs Aden Milla together with State Departments under his purview in Mombasa.
Through their presentations, Committee Members learned that the three institutions were creating job opportunities and training at local and international levels but the efforts are not exposed to Kenyans.
“You are telling us that you have trained 19,000 and recruited 5,041 seafarers to international shipping lines, over six thousand trainees have been issued with certificates however very few Kenyans know of these achievements. Having over eight thousand recruitment opportunities in this sector is a big thing that can help reduce the unemployment problem in this country”, said Komingoi Kibet.
The Committee Chairperson Kariuki encouraged the PS and his team to find ways of making the sector visible and attractive to Kenyans across the country.
“There is a need to collaborate with local training institutions like Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) or youth polytechnics to offer skills in the maritime field. What Members here are asking is that you be creative, do theory at TVET level across the Constituencies and practicals at your institutions,” he said.
“Do not feel discouraged working with Members of Parliament on such programs, we have CDF funds in our respective Constituencies to support and empower our people, we can collaborate with you for shipping and Maritime trainings to help alleviate unemployment”, Johnson Naicca added.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Maritime Authority Nyarandi Omae, his colleagues Erick Lewa Katana of Bandari Maritime Academy and those from Kenya National Shipping Line Limited later took the Committee through their Mandate, work plan geared towards improving the sector and the challenges.
One of the main challenges outlined is funding for infrastructural development and vessel acquisition.
They pointed out Projects Mashariki which is an initiative under the revival of the Kenya National Shipping line aimed at rebuilding Kenya’s Maritime capacity and sovereignty.
“Hon. Members, this project will position Kenya as a competitive maritime nation and reduce dependence on foreign shipping lines. It will majorly expand Kenya’s participation in global shipping through vessel acquisition for commercial and training purposes, development of inland logistics and give access to the global labour market”, they said.
The project targets the employment of six thousand seafarers by the year 2030 – 2050, economic improvement through increased cargo volumes, reduction of foreign costs and industrial growth.
The CEO of Bandari Maritime Academy Lewa Katana pointed out challenges with sourcing critical equipment required for training purposes. According to his report, the institution is currently lacking an advanced engine room simulator for practical training to maritime Engineering students.
The Committee encouraged that the CS for Transport and Infrastructure works together with lawmakers to realise these plans.