Boost to seafaring activities as 2,603 coxswains certified in Lamu

In a bid to enhance sea safety and expanding employment opportunities, Lamu Governor Issa Timamy has overseen the certification of 2,603 coxswains in Lamu County.

The initiative, which took 30 days to complete across 10 centres, was executed in partnership with the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA).

The newly certified seafarers will now have the skills and qualifications to navigate both local and international waters, offering them the possibility of employment in any country.

Speaking at the event held on Saturday at Mkunguni Square in Mkomani Ward, Governor Timamy emphasized the importance of the certification in ensuring compliance with maritime laws while also improving the safety of seafaring activities.

“The maritime industry is critical to our region’s economy, and ensuring that our coxswains are adequately trained is vital. This certification program has enabled the fishermen and boat operators to not only meet the legal standards but also to enhance their professionalism,” said Governor Timamy.

He added that the training was particularly important for those who could not afford the high fees for courses at institutions like the Bandari College in Mombasa.

“In line with President William Ruto’s directive to support those in the fishing sector who struggle with the cost of training, this administration has undertaken this initiative to provide affordable training for our local seafarers,” Mr Timamy said.

The Governor also expressed his gratitude to the KMA and President Ruto for their support in making the programme a reality.

“This is a great leap towards enhancing the safety of our waters and the livelihoods of those who depend on them,” he added, stressing that the coxswains will no longer face harassment from the Coast Guard once they are properly certified.

The rigorous training programme was designed to address several challenges faced by Lamu’s fishing community, including the high number of accidents and fatalities at sea.

Coxswains, who are responsible for navigating and operating boats, often lacked the necessary formal training, which not only compromised their safety, but also hindered their ability to find formal employment.

“We are not only ensuring that these seafarers comply with the law, but also that they are more competitive in the job market,” said Faiz Fankupi, the County’s Fisheries CECM.

Adding that the certification opens up new opportunities for them, both locally and internationally.

“We aim to reduce the number of accidents and loss of lives in our waters,” he added.

Mr Fankupi also outlined plans for ongoing support to the certified coxswains.

"Our commitment doesn’t end with certification. The Department of Fisheries will continue to provide resources, training, and guidance to ensure they stay updated with global standards," he said.

The initiative has received widespread support from local communities. 

Many fishermen in Lamu have long sought to gain formal recognition for their seafaring skills, which have traditionally been passed down through generations but often lacked formal certification.

“This is a life-changing program for many of us. We have been working on the waters for years, but without proper documentation or skills, it was difficult to find formal employment. Now that we are certified, we can work anywhere in the world,” said Mr Mohammed Said, a coxswain from Lamu Town.

The training also addressed safety concerns that plagued Lamu’s maritime industry. In recent years, there has been an increase in accidents involving poorly trained boat operators, leading to loss of life and property. The new certification is expected to significantly reduce these incidents.

“This certification is not just a piece of paper. It is a sign of our commitment to ensuring that those who make their living at sea are well-prepared for the challenges they face,” said Captain Kengo, a senior official from the Kenya Maritime Authority.

The event at Mkunguni Square was attended by key officials including KMA Chairman Abdulnasir Issa, and representatives from various stakeholders in the fishing, and maritime industry.

“This is a milestone not only for Lamu County but for the entire coastal region. With trained coxswains, we expect to see safer waters, fewer accidents, and a more organized fishing industry in Lamu,” said Mr Issa.

Governor Timamy’s government has promised to continue such initiatives, with plans to roll out further training programmes in other sectors of the maritime industry in the coming months.

“We are committed to ensuring that the people of Lamu continue to benefit from sustainable economic opportunities,” said Mr Timamy, underscoring that the certification programme is just one part of a larger strategy to uplift the county’s economy through improved training and access to global job markets.