On May 23, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Maritime Hassan Joho engaged in pivotal discussions with Molly Mok, Chair of Evergreen Marine Corporation, a leading global shipping entity. The primary objective of this meeting was to enhance opportunities for maritime cadets in Kenya, enabling them to gain crucial sea-time experience necessary for international certification.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to establish Kenya as a prominent maritime hub both regionally and globally. The discussions focused significantly on creating partnerships between Evergreen Marine and Kenyan maritime training institutions, particularly Bandari Maritime Academy. Joho highlighted the necessity for Kenya-trained seafarers to experience quality sea time to compete on the international stage, addressing a crucial gap in the training process.
Sea time refers to the duration that cadets spend onboard ships during training, a vital requirement for achieving certification under International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards. Historically, despite producing a significant number of qualified maritime graduates, Kenya has faced challenges in placing these cadets on vessels, largely due to a lack of opportunities with international shipping lines. This challenge has impeded the full professional integration of Kenyan seafarers into the global maritime labor market. However, Evergreen Marine’s eagerness to engage with Kenyan talent could change this scenario.
Mok acknowledged the potential in Kenya’s workforce and expressed a commitment from Evergreen Marine to nurture this talent while contributing to the wider development of the regional maritime industry. The discussions extended beyond cadet placements to include potential collaborations in shipbuilding, repair, and port infrastructure development, sectors deemed critical for a robust maritime industry.
Kenya’s maritime strategy has gained substantial traction in recent years, bolstered by investments in port modernization, training enhancements, and regulatory improvements. Mombasa Port, the country’s busiest maritime hub, has seen significant upgrades, and the government has pursued foreign investments to expand shipyard capabilities and improve repair services. Experts suggest that Kenya’s strategic positioning along vital shipping lanes places it in a favorable position to emerge as a regional maritime center, provided there is alignment in training, infrastructure, and policy.
This collaboration with Evergreen Marine is part of a series of international partnerships spearheaded by the Kenyan government aimed at linking local maritime talent with global industry leaders. Similar discussions have been initiated with other international shipping companies to ensure that training at institutions like Bandari Maritime Academy translates into actual employment opportunities. Joho emphasized that for aspiring Kenyan seafarers, this initiative could pave the way for structured, impactful career pathways that allow them to operate on an international scale. His vision is clear: to enable Kenyan seafarers to navigate not just local waters, but to be recognized and thrive on every major shipping route across the globe, marking a significant commitment to advancing Kenya’s maritime aspirations.
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