Kenya signs two maritime agreements in London as Joho calls for sector reforms

Kenya has signed two key maritime agreements on the sidelines of the 34^th IMO General Assembly in London.

Officials say the agreements will strengthen maritime training, expand job opportunities for Kenyan seafarers and boost the country’s ambitions to become a regional maritime hub.

Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho said on Wednesday the government concluded a memorandum of understanding with the World Maritime University to deepen cooperation in maritime education and research.

He said the pact formalises a shared commitment to building a stronger maritime workforce and enhancing national institutions.

“This agreement strengthens Kenya’s maritime workforce and positions our country as a regional maritime hub,” the CS said.

Kenya also signed a mutual recognition agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for services on board ships.

Mr Joho described the deal as crucial because it tackles a long-running challenge for Kenyan maritime graduates: securing sea time.

Sea time refers to the period trainee seafarers must spend working onboard ships to gain practical experience required for certification under international maritime rules.

Without it, graduates cannot qualify for key licenses or progress in their careers-- a bottleneck that has held back many young Kenyan seafarers.

“This agreement is significant as it opens doors for our maritime graduates to obtain the sea time required for certification and employment,” Mr Joho said.

At the IMO headquarters, the Director-General of the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), CPA Omae Nyarandi, also signed an MOU with Saudi Arabia on recognition of Certificates of Competency.

The authority said the agreement creates a clear pathway for Kenyan officers to work on Saudi-flagged vessels in line with Regulation 1/10 of the STCW Convention.

KMA said the partnership “opens new horizons and global opportunities for our seafarers,” strengthens Kenya’s position in the international maritime industry and gives young people access to better jobs at sea.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by CS Joho, Shipping and Maritime Affairs Principal Secretary Aden Millah, members of the KMA Board and MPs from the Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Infrastructure.