Mombasa: An international logistics firm, Maersk, in partnership with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), has launched a comprehensive 12-month maritime training programme aimed at developing the country’s maritime sector and the Blue Economy. The inaugural Cadet Training Programme is poised to strengthen the country’s position in the global maritime sector by providing valuable career opportunities for the youth.
According to Kenya News Agency, the programme is designed to close the skills gap and certifications in the maritime sector by offering intensive training, mentorship, and practical exposure to Maersk vessels. The ten selected cadets will be provided with crucial sea-time training that will enhance their competency and enable them to compete for international maritime jobs.
Maersk Eastern Africa Region Acting Managing Director Oliver Bunting stated that the programme is a testament to the company’s commitment to Kenya and its immense potential as a maritime and logistics powerhouse. Bunting noted that for ages, Kenya has served as a strategic gateway for trade in Africa, highlighting that the Port of Mombasa is not only the busiest in Africa but also the heartbeat of the East and Central Africa economies. ‘It facilitates the movement of goods, driving economic growth and creating opportunities for millions. As global trade evolves, so must the people who sustain it,’ he remarked.
The programme is viewed as an investment in the country’s future maritime trade, which depends on a highly skilled and competitive workforce. Bunting explained that shipping and logistics form the backbone of global commerce and that Kenya is uniquely positioned to play a greater role in the sector. ‘To realise this potential, we must develop world-class talent. We need to ensure that young and ambitious Kenyans are exposed to the skills, experiences, and certification needed to compete on the international stage,’ he added.
Bunting emphasized Maersk’s deep involvement in the region’s logistics and shipping industries, stating that the company’s success is connected to the strength of the workforce they help build. ‘That is why today we are proud to be sponsoring these ten cadets,’ he articulated. The MD urged the cadets to be disciplined, seek knowledge, and remain determined to pave the way for other young Kenyans.
KPA MD Capt. William Ruto encouraged other shipping lines to emulate Maersk’s initiative to provide sea time to students, noting its absence in the country. He praised the collaboration with the shipping line and mentioned that the trained cadets will become officers of the ship. ‘As we put the anchor down ourselves, we will have somebody who will pick up from where we left,’ Capt. Ruto observed.
He further stated that the year-long training for the cadets aboard Maersk vessels affirms Kenya’s growing reputation as a source of skilled labour for the maritime industry. ‘Their effort comes at a crucial time when our seafarers face challenges in securing shipping opportunities necessary to get sea time that is required for their certification,’ Capt. Ruto remarked. He advised the cadets to embrace the training with a positive mindset, stressing the need for discipline and diligence to emerge as qualified professionals in their chosen career fields.
Capt. Ruto reiterated the Authority’s commitment to sustaining the Port’s performance through the procurement of equipment and support for the capacity expansion programme. ‘We firmly believe by investing in skilled human capital, we are investing in a prosperous future,’ he asserted.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir urged Maersk to increase the number of cadets in the next cohort and promised to support the education of youths in the maritime sector. ‘Please do make Mombasa and Kenya proud. You’re going to be the face of those who are going to be absorbed,’ he advised the cadets. Governor Nassir also disclosed that plans were at an advanced stage for the establishment of a facility to handle hazardous waste from vessels.