- During the meeting, it was also agreed that the government will identify a manning agent to handle seafarers welfare in Korean Ships.
- PS Kaituko urged the MPs to increase financing for maritime education and training centers in the country.
Image: FELIX KIPKEMOI
Kenya and Korea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that is set to open the way for seafarers from the country to work in Korean shipping companies.
The agreement, facilitated by the Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology and the Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA), focuses on enhancing training standards, developing curricula, training of trainers and exchange of faculty.
Shipping and Maritime Affairs Principal Secretary Geoffrey Kaituko who hailed the collaboration emphasized the immense opportunities available in the maritime sector.
The signing of the agreement was done during his week-long visit to Korea.
Kaituko also stressed the urgent need to bolster maritime education and training centers in the country to meet the escalating global demand for qualified seafarers.
“Given the opportunities in the maritime sectors, there is a need to increase the number of qualified seafarers through training and certification,” he said.
Addressing the press Monday, the PS urged the MPs to increase financing for maritime education and training centers in the country.
“I also urge the Kenyan youth to embrace the maritime sector and take advantage of the various maritime opportunities available in Kenya and globally,” he noted.
The number of seafarers being produced in the country was only 100 as compared to the 1,000 that is required.
The support of the Korean government will now go a long way in expanding the employment of Kenyan seafarers to Korean shipping companies.
Kaituko said the Korea Ship Owners Association has 1600 commercial ships with a workforce of 11,000 seafarers sourced mainly from the Philippines, Indonesia and Myanmar.
The PS stated that during a meeting with KSA vice chair Yang Chang Ho, it was revealed that the workforce is projected to increase to 14,700 in the year 2030.
KSA, Kaituko explained, intends to diversify its workforce with a focus being Africa more particularly, Kenya.
“The Kenyan Seafarer brand is high since they are physically fit, can speak fluent English and are disciplined,” he said.
The delegation led by the PS was made up of senior officers from the Ministry, BMA CEO and MPs from the National Assembly’s Committee on Transport.
During the meeting, it was also agreed that the government would identify a manning agent to handle seafarers' welfare in Korean Ships.
“The agent will be the Kenyan maritime liaison officer and will work closely with the Korean Government to handle any issues arising on board ships,” said the PS.
The team also had an opportunity to visit key institutions including the Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Marshall Island Flag Office in Seoul and Shipping, Shipyard and Ship Management Companies among others.
The purpose of the visit was to engage key maritime stakeholders on training, mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency and employment of Kenyan seafarers on board Korean vessels.
Kaituko further disclosed that a MoU on mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency is in the final stages of approval.
The agreement to be signed during the Korea-Africa Summit in June 2024, he noted, will open up opportunities for Kenyan seafarers to secure employment of 1000 ratings and officers on board Korean ships annually.