KMA Deals Open Global Shipping Jobs for Kenyan Seafarers

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Kenya has signed new agreements with global ship-owning administrations, opening up thousands of international job opportunities for local seafarers and strengthening the country’s position in the global maritime labour market.

The latest milestone follows the signing of a new Mutual Recognition Agreement between the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

KMA director general CPA Omae Nyarandi said the move is expected to unlock more overseas employment opportunities for Kenyan seafarers by allowing them to work aboard Singapore-registered vessels operating worldwide.

Under the agreement, Kenyan seafarers holding internationally compliant Certificates of Competency will be eligible to obtain endorsements from Singapore, granting them access to global shipping markets.

“This Mutual Recognition Agreement affirms international confidence in Kenya’s maritime training standards and certification systems. It creates direct pathways for our seafarers to access global shipping markets,” he said.

The DG noted that the deal will link Kenyan maritime talent to Singapore’s vast shipping network, improving access to stable and well-paying jobs while boosting foreign remittances.

“The agreement enhances career mobility for Kenyan seafarers, allowing them to secure better-paying and more stable employment internationally.”

Kenya has now signed similar agreements with Panama, Palau, Liberia, Saudi Arabia and the Commonwealth of Dominica, collectively unlocking opportunities aboard more than 14,000 vessels globally.

Nyarandi attributed the progress to Kenya’s strong compliance record, noting that a recent independent audit by the International Maritime Organization under the STCW Convention placed the country on the coveted “whitelist.”

More than 16,000 Kenyan seafarers have already secured international employment following global recognition of Kenya’s certification system.

The DG also revealed that procurement of Seafarers’ Secure Identification Documents has been completed, with the documents expected to be ready by April 2026.

KMA said the agreements mark a major boost to Kenya’s blue economy agenda by expanding global employment opportunities, strengthening international compliance and enhancing the country’s visibility as a competitive supplier of skilled maritime labour.