Charting a New Course for Kenya’s Maritime Future

By Andrew Mwangura

Email, thecoastnewspper@gmail.com

The recent appointment of Captain Suleiman Bakari, a seasoned merchant mariner, to the National Standing Committee on Marine Standards at the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) marks a watershed moment in Kenya’s maritime development.

After 51 years of operating without a merchant mariner in this critical role, KEBS has finally recognized what maritime nations worldwide have long understood: that effective maritime governance requires the expertise of those who have dedicated their lives to the sea.

Captain Bakari brings an impressive portfolio of maritime experience to this position. His extensive sea-going career across various vessel types and trade routes, combined with his current role as Senior Marine Pilot at Kenya Ports Authority and principal consultant at TransAfrica Maritime Consultant Group, positions him uniquely to bridge the gap between theoretical standards and practical maritime operations.

His specialization in Quality, Health, Safety, Security and Environment (QHSSE) audits and surveys, along with his deep understanding of IMO conventions and global maritime standards, makes him an invaluable asset in developing Kenya’s national marine industry standards.

Global Maritime Reality

Kenya’s maritime sector contributes significantly to the national economy, with the Port of Mombasa serving as the gateway for the entire East African region.

The port handles over 90% of Kenya’s international trade, with cargo throughput exceeding 34 million tons annually. Despite this critical importance, Kenya has lagged behind in developing comprehensive maritime standards that align with international best practices.

Compare this to maritime powerhouses like Singapore, where the Maritime and Port Authority employs hundreds of qualified mariners in policy-making roles. 

Singapore’s maritime sector contributes approximately 7% to its GDP, generating over S$13 billion annually. Similarly, Norway’s maritime administration is staffed by experienced seafarers who have transitioned into regulatory roles, contributing to the country’s position as a global maritime leader with over 1,800 ships in its fleet.

The Netherlands provides another compelling example, where the Dutch Maritime Academy works closely with the government to ensure that maritime education and standards development are informed by practical experience.

Their integrated approach has made Rotterdam one of Europe’s largest ports, handling over 469 million tons of cargo annually.

Imperative for Maritime Integration

Captain Bakari’s appointment should be viewed as the first step in a broader transformation of Kenya’s approach to maritime governance. The maritime industry operates at the intersection of complex international regulations, advanced technology, and global commerce. 

Effective governance in this sector requires individuals who understand not just the theoretical frameworks but the practical realities of maritime operations.

The need extends beyond KEBS to the highest levels of government. The Office of the President, the State Department for Labor, and the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs would all benefit from the advisory input of experienced maritime practitioners.

The maritime industry’s unique challenges—from crew welfare and training standards to port efficiency and environmental compliance—require specialized knowledge that can only come from those who have lived and worked in the maritime environment.

Brain Trust

Kenya’s maritime sector would benefit enormously from establishing a comprehensive advisory structure that includes not only Captain Bakari but other distinguished maritime practitioners. 

Ambassador Nancy Karigithu’s diplomatic expertise combined with maritime knowledge, Silvester Kututa’s operational experience, Stanley Chai’s technical proficiency, and Juvenile Shihundu’s industry insights represent a wealth of knowledge that should be systematically integrated into policy-making processes.

This maritime brain trust should also include the technical expertise of Marine Chief Engineer David Kariuku, whose engineering background provides crucial insights into vessel operations and maintenance standards.

Captain Twalib Khamis and Captain Musa Ittiso bring additional depth of sea-going experience and operational knowledge, while Marine Chief Engineer Ahmed Khamis adds further engineering expertise essential for developing comprehensive maritime standards that address both deck and engine room operations.

Marine Chief Engineer Ahmed Khamis has worked for several years aboard British flagged merchant ships the Clan Lines he has also worked aboard vessels operated by the East African National Shipping Line before working at the port of Mombasa’s Dock Yard as Chief Marine Engineer.

This approach mirrors successful models in countries like South Korea, where the Korea Maritime Institute employs over 100 researchers and advisors, many with maritime backgrounds, to inform government policy.

Their integrated approach has helped South Korea become the world’s largest shipbuilding nation, with companies like Hyundai Heavy Industries and Samsung Heavy Industries dominating global markets.

Foundation of Maritime Excellence

The maritime industry increasingly demands highly specialized knowledge that combines practical experience with advanced education. 

Institutions like the World Maritime University in Sweden and MIT’s Ocean Engineering programs produce graduates who understand both the technical complexities and strategic implications of maritime operations.

Kenya must invest in developing similar expertise or risk being left behind in an increasingly competitive global maritime environment.

The statistics are telling: countries with strong maritime education and governance systems consistently outperform others in maritime competitiveness rankings.

The Baltic Exchange’s Global Maritime Index shows that nations with integrated maritime governance—where experienced mariners play key advisory roles—score significantly higher in efficiency, innovation, and regulatory compliance.

Economic Imperatives and National Security

Kenya’s maritime sector’s economic impact extends far beyond port operations. The blue economy, including fisheries, marine tourism, and offshore resources, represents billions of dollars in potential revenue.

However, realizing this potential requires sophisticated understanding of maritime law, environmental regulations, and international trade practices—precisely the expertise that experienced mariners bring to policy-making roles.

Furthermore, maritime security concerns in the Western Indian Ocean, including piracy and illegal fishing, require governance structures that understand both the operational and strategic dimensions of maritime security.

The appointment of qualified mariners to advisory positions is not merely about improving efficiency; it’s about national security and economic sovereignty.

Systematic Reform

Captain Bakari’s appointment represents more than a personnel decision; it symbolizes Kenya’s recognition that maritime governance requires maritime expertise.

However, this should be the beginning, not the end, of reform. Kenya needs a comprehensive strategy to integrate maritime practitioners throughout its governance structure.

This means establishing formal advisory positions for merchant mariners in key government departments, creating pathways for experienced seafarers to transition into regulatory and policy roles, and ensuring that maritime education and training standards are developed by those who understand the industry’s practical requirements.

The global maritime industry is evolving rapidly, with new technologies, environmental regulations, and trade patterns reshaping the sector.

Kenya cannot afford to develop maritime policies and standards in isolation from this reality. By bringing experienced practitioners like Captain Bakari into governance structures, Kenya is taking a crucial step toward ensuring its maritime sector remains competitive and compliant with international standards.

Navigating Maritime Excellence

The appointment of Captain Suleiman Bakari to KEBS represents a long-overdue recognition of the importance of maritime expertise in governance.

As Kenya seeks to maximize its potential as a maritime nation and regional hub, integrating experienced mariners into policy-making processes is not optional—it’s essential.

The path forward requires expanding this model across government, establishing formal advisory structures for maritime practitioners, and ensuring that Kenya’s maritime education and training systems are informed by global best practices and practical experience.

Only by combining the theoretical knowledge of maritime law and policy with the practical wisdom of those who have spent their careers at sea can Kenya chart a course toward maritime excellence.

Captain Bakari’s appointment is a promising start. Now, Kenya must build on this foundation to create a maritime governance structure worthy of the nation’s maritime potential and economic aspirations.

The sea has always been Kenya’s gateway to the world; it’s time to ensure that those who understand the sea have a voice in shaping Kenya’s maritime future.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards was established by an Act of Parliament – the Standards Act ,Chapter 496 of the Laws of Kenya. It started operations in July 1974.

The writer is a Maritime Affairs Analyst and Maritime Policy Advocate.