MOMBASA: Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho has highlighted the importance of providing ‘sea time’ experience for seafarers immediately after graduation to equip them with the required practical skills and hands-on exposure to transition efficiently into the maritime workforce. Joho reiterated that sea time will not only bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world work application but will also enhance the seafarers’ safety, competency, and easy adaptability in their future jobs.
According to Kenya News Agency, Joho, speaking at the Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa during the graduation ceremony for 100 youths who received their Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) programme, emphasized the need to develop mechanisms, including internship programmes, to equip graduates with the necessary skills, especially for international jobs. He called for support from Kenya Maritime Authority Chairman Khamis Mwaguya and B
andari Maritime Academy’s Director Lewa Katana to include maritime programmes in various TVET institutions, paving the way for students interested in the sector.
Joho stressed that fostering a well-prepared, experienced workforce would enhance Kenya’s competitiveness in the global maritime industry and reinforce its commitment to high standards in maritime education and employment. He noted the urgency of broadening training efforts to prepare more young people for the job market, emphasizing the necessity of every institution teaching seafarers to increase their numbers.
Additionally, Joho is collaborating with relevant departments to ensure STCW students receive a Seafarer’s Identity Card (SID) upon graduation. He explained that while the STCW enables job acquisition, an SID is required for certain destinations, urging maritime authorities to facilitate this document to prevent students from being left behind when opportunities arise.
The government has also reduced the fees for STCW training from Sh35,0
00 to Sh15,000. Mvita Member of Parliament Mohamed Soud Machele, whose constituency’s NG-CDF sponsored the programme, underscored their commitment to opening doors for the youth in the global maritime industry through investments in the STCW programme.
Mombasa County Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir announced an upcoming mass registration for the Social Health Authority (SHA) within the county, set to begin in six days. The county government will cover fees for the less privileged to ensure they receive adequate healthcare. Nassir also announced the expansion of the ‘Skills Mtaani’ programme across other parts of Mombasa County, including Likoni and Changamwe, with plans to recruit youth for the SCTW programme by February.
In attendance were the Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs Geoffrey Kaituko, Principal Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Betsy Njagi, County Assembly Speaker Akharub Khatri, and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), who praised Mvita MP Mohamed
Soud Machele for initiating the SCTW Programme at Bandari Maritime Academy, marking a significant milestone in the maritime sector.