State Department Explores ways of Strengthening Youth Participation in Kenya’s Shipping and Maritime Sector.
The Principal Secretary, State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Mr. Aden A. Millah, joined his counterpart, Principal Secretary, State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Mr. Fikirini Jacobs, at Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) to explore ways of strengthening youth participation in Kenya’s shipping and maritime sector.
The engagement focused on expanding opportunities for young Kenyans through maritime education, skills development, employment and meaningful participation in the country’s growing Blue Economy.
The two leaders explored ways of strengthening collaboration between the two State Departments to ensure that more young Kenyans acquire industry-relevant skills and are adequately prepared to take advantage of employment opportunities both locally and in the international maritime labour market.
The discussions also highlighted the critical role of institutions such as BMA in equipping young people with the practical skills and competencies required by the maritime industry, while promoting maritime careers as viable pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
The engagement comes at a time when Kenya is intensifying efforts to develop its maritime human resource and unlock the immense economic potential of the Blue Economy.
With the maritime sector playing a central role in international trade, shipping, logistics, port operations and other related activities, expanding access to quality maritime training is essential to positioning Kenyan youth to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
Bandari Maritime Academy Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Eric Katana, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to working closely with the Government and industry stakeholders to expand training opportunities, strengthen industry linkages and create clear pathways for young people to transition from training into meaningful employment and professional careers in the maritime sector.
The engagement underscored the Government’s commitment to placing young people at the heart of Kenya’s maritime and Blue Economy agenda, recognising that a skilled and empowered youth population is critical to unlocking the sector’s full potential.
Also in attendance was BMA Chairman of the Board of Directors, Eng. Lung’anzi Chai Mangale, who commended the two Principal Secretaries for bringing together the youth and maritime development agendas. He said closer collaboration between the two State Departments would help ensure that Kenyan youth have access to quality, hands-on maritime training and are better positioned to take advantage of the employment opportunities available in the sector.
The collaboration presents an important opportunity to bridge the gap between skills development and employment while creating a stronger pipeline of skilled Kenyan professionals for the local and global maritime industry.