Kenya Celebrates World Maritime Day 2025 with Sustainability and Innovation Commitments
education cabinet secretary Julius Migos addressing participants at the Blue Economy Forum. (Photo By Mbungu Harrison)
By Mbungu Harrison
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Kenya marked the 2025 World Maritime Day celebrations with a strong reaffirmation of its commitment to sustainable maritime development, innovation, and capacity building in the blue economy.
Speaking at the event, Ahmed Kolosh, chairman of the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), highlighted the Authority’s achievements and future ambitions in strengthening Kenya’s maritime sector.
“The Kenya Maritime Authority is entrusted with the vital mandate of regulating, coordinating, and overseeing maritime affairs within Kenya’s coastal and inland waters. In fulfilling this responsibility, we have made remarkable strides,” he stated.
The event, themed “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and international partners.
He cited notable progress in enhancing maritime safety, environmental protection, and regional cooperation.
One such milestone was the recent hosting of MASEPOLREX 25, a regional oil spill response exercise that tested the preparedness of East African states to handle marine pollution incidents.
Kolosh also revealed that Kenya, with support from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has developed a National Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships and conducted feasibility studies on e-fuel production and the establishment of a Green Shipping Corridor.
Further emphasizing Kenya’s leadership in regional maritime security, he pointed to the role of the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC) and the newly established National Maritime Information Sharing Centre (NMISC), both crucial in combating piracy and other illicit maritime activities under frameworks such as the Djibouti Code of Conduct and Jeddah Amendment.
Through the EU-funded Go Blue Project, KMA has also acquired five modern search and rescue vessels, significantly boosting the nation’s capacity to respond to emergencies along its coast.
In a major boost to maritime education and skills development, education cabinet secretary Julius Migos announced plans to commence training at the new Kenya Coast National Polytechnic Kwale Campus.
“This campus will provide a state-of-the-art learning environment tailored to the unique needs of maritime training. It will offer comprehensive programs in marine transport, port logistics, onboard operations, and moreequipping our youth with the skills and competencies needed to excel in the industry,” Migos said.
He emphasized that today’s fair is not just an exhibition, but a strategic platform for dialogue, networking, and aligning training with industry needs.
“Together, we can ensure our graduates are job-ready and able to meaningfully contribute to the maritime industry’s growth,” he added.
The CS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in education, infrastructure, and youth empowerment, positioning Kenya as a leader in maritime innovation across Africa.
CPA Omae Nyarandi, Director General of the Kenya Maritime Authority, also addressed the gathering, underscoring Kenya’s rising profile in the global maritime arena.
“Over the years, we have streamlined licensing and certification processes, improved emergency response, and promoted sustainable opportunities for socio-economic growth,” Nyarandi said.
He emphasized that Kenya’s continued presence on the IMO White List is a testament to the high standards of its maritime training and compliance with international regulations.
As stakeholders gathered to celebrate achievements, the mood was one of optimism and determination.
Kenya’s maritime sector, bolstered by forward-looking policies, international partnerships, and growing youth involvement, is poised to play a pivotal role in national development.
“Let us work together to chart a new course for Kenya’s maritime sector one characterized by excellence, inclusivity, and sustainable progress,” said CS Migos in his closing remarks.
The 2025 World Maritime Day celebrations served as a reminder of the ocean’s importance—not only as a resource but also as a shared responsibility. As Kenya looks to the future, its maritime ambitions remain firmly anchored in sustainability, innovation, and opportunity.
