Geoffrey Kaituko, Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, has announced major strides in Kenya’s maritime sector following a successful official visit to Denmark.
The weeklong trip, which included participation in the High-Level Green Shipping and Decarbonisation Conference, has paved the way for enhanced cooperation between Kenya and Denmark in maritime training, education, and sustainability.
In a press briefing today, PS Kaituko highlighted several immediate benefits from the visit, including a significant partnership with MAERSK, the global shipping and logistics giant. “The establishment of the Cadet Training Programme for Kenyan seafarers by MAERSK is a significant boost to our efforts to increase access to sea-time training for our cadets, which is crucial for their placement in the global maritime labour market,” said Kaituko.
The Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) has also expressed its commitment to supporting the improvement of maritime education and training in Kenya. This includes the potential for scholarships to Kenyan students pursuing advanced maritime disciplines, a request Kaituko emphasized during discussions with Danish officials.
Additionally, the DMA will assist the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) in enhancing its capacity to execute its core functions, particularly in flag and port state control. This support is expected to strengthen Kenya’s regulatory oversight in the maritime sector.
As part of global efforts to advance decarbonisation in shipping, Kenya has also committed to hosting the 2nd Africa Regional Green Shipping Conference in February 2025.
Co-sponsored by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Danish Government, the conference will further Kenya’s role in leading the adoption of global carbon reduction regulations within the shipping industry.
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Kaituko also announced a new partnership between Bandari Maritime Academy and SIMAC, a prestigious Danish maritime training institution. The collaboration will see advanced maritime courses, not currently available in Kenya, offered locally, further advancing the country’s maritime training capabilities.
“This visit to Denmark has opened new avenues for cooperation that will significantly benefit Kenya’s maritime sector, both in terms of education and in aligning with global sustainability standards,” concluded Kaituko.