The Seafarers Union of Kenya (SUK) is urging the government to officially recognize the Maritime Wages Council (MWC) to improve employment conditions for Kenyan sailors.

The union argues that this step is crucial for addressing the exploitation and mistreatment faced by seafarers at the hands of unscrupulous employers.

SUK Secretary General Atie Ramadan highlighted the plight of Kenyan seafarers, who are reportedly underpaid and abandoned by employers.

“We are asking the government to gazetted the council. The Ministry is taking too long, and our members continue to suffer under deplorable conditions,” Ms Ramadan said.

The union's call for new regulations and laws aims to enhance the working conditions for over 7,000 Kenyan merchant mariners working globally.

Ms Ramadan emphasized that formalising the MWC would be a significant move towards ensuring fair wages and better treatment for seafarers.

In an event earlier in the month, held at SUK’s new office in Mombasa, Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) Secretary General Francis Atwoli assured the seafarers that he would follow up with the Ministry of Labour.

“We have spoken with the minister, who has promised to act on the wages council. This will ensure that the council is gazetted and the 60 percent wage increase announced by President William Ruto is implemented,” Mr Atwoli stated.

He however asked the union members to put aside internal conflicts and work together.

“You must unite and focus on common interests. The current office is dedicated to your cause, but internal disputes will only hinder progress,” he said.

The union’s push for the MWC’s official recognition reflects their ongoing battle for better conditions and fair treatment in the maritime industry.