Korean Shipping Industry to Employ Kenyan Seafarers

Kenya and South Korea have signed an agreement that will create new opportunities for Kenyan seafarers.

This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) paves the way for Kenyans to secure employment on Korean shipping vessels, addressing a critical need in the Korean maritime sector. The agreement, facilitated by the Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology (KIMFT) and the Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA), goes beyond simple job creation. It establishes a collaborative framework to enhance maritime education and training in Kenya.

The MoU focuses on improving training standards, developing relevant curricula, providing specialized training for instructors, and facilitating faculty exchange programs between the two countries. Kenya’s Principal Secretary of Shipping and Maritime Affairs Geoffrey Kaituko emphasizes the importance of this partnership. He acknowledges the vast potential of the maritime sector and highlights the urgent need to strengthen Kenya’s maritime training institutions. Currently, Kenya faces a significant shortfall in qualified seafarers, producing only 100 annually against a national demand of 1,000.

Kaituko urges Kenyan legislators to increase funding for these institutions to bridge this gap and meet the growing global demand for skilled maritime professionals. This agreement presents a solution for both nations. The Korean Ship Owners Association (KSA) operates a vast fleet of commercial ships and faces a projected crew shortage. They currently rely on seafarers from countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Myanmar, but their workforce is expected to increase from 11,000 to 14,700 by 2030. Kenya, with its pool of potential recruits and the support of the Korean government through improved training, is well-positioned to address this need.

Kaituko’s recent visit to Korea has facilitated productive discussions with key maritime stakeholders, including the Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, shipbuilders, and ship management companies. These meetings address crucial aspects of the agreement such as training programs, mutual recognition of maritime qualifications, and the well-being of Kenyan seafarers employed on Korean vessels. A separate MoU on the mutual recognition of seafarer qualifications is reportedly nearing finalization.

The agreement is expected to create employment opportunities for Kenyans. According to Kaituko, as many as 1,000 Kenyan ratings (unlicensed crew) and officers (licensed personnel) could be employed on Korean ships annually starting in 2024. This collaboration presents a promising path forward for both nations, elevating Kenya’s maritime sector and ensuring a skilled workforce for the Korean shipping industry.