By John Ndegwa / BMA
Kenya has taken a significant step towards strengthening its maritime workforce following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Korea on the mutual recognition of Seafarers’ Certificates of Competency.
The MoU marks a major milestone in Kenya’s efforts to position itself as a key player in the global maritime sector by enhancing the employability and competitiveness of its seafarers on the international stage.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Ali Hassan Joho said through this agreement, Kenyan seafarers will now have their certifications recognized in the Republic of Korea, opening up access to a wider international job market.
“This recognition eliminates previous barriers that limited employment opportunities due to certification incompatibility, thereby enabling Kenyan seafarers to work seamlessly aboard Korean-flagged vessels and within global fleets operating under Korean maritime standards,” said Cs Joho.
The MoU is expected to significantly increase job placements for Kenyan seafarers, leading to improved livelihoods and increased foreign remittances. With global demand for qualified seafarers on the rise, the agreement positions Kenya to tap into this growing market, ensuring its workforce remains competitive and relevant.
The mutual recognition framework underscores the quality and credibility of Kenya’s maritime training institution, Bandari Maritime Academy. It reinforces the need to maintain high training standards aligned with international conventions, ultimately improving the overall competence and professionalism of Kenyan seafarers.
Korea Director General of the Shipping and Logistics Bureau Kim Hye-jung said beyond employment, the agreement deepens maritime cooperation between Kenya and the Republic of Korea, paving the way for future collaborations in training, technology transfer, and capacity building within the Blue Economy sector.
The signing of the MoU aligns with Kenya’s broader Blue Economy strategy, which seeks to harness maritime resources for sustainable economic growth. By empowering seafarers with globally recognized certifications, the country is investing in a skilled workforce capable of driving this agenda forward.
As Kenya continues to expand its maritime footprint, the MoU stands as a transformative initiative that not only elevates the status of Kenyan seafarers but also reinforces the country’s commitment to excellence in maritime education and training.
Present during the signing ceremony were Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) CEO Dr. Eric Katana, alongside Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs Aden Milla, Principal Secretary for Blue Economy, Betsy Njagi, Kenya Maritime Authority Director General, CPA Justus Omae Nyarandi and other senior government officials.
