Labor Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Alfred Mutua has urged the youth to embrace the maritime sector as one of the major employment avenues.
Speaking at an induction workshop for the Seafarers’ and wages Council in Kilifi, Mutua said apart from fishing, there are numerous job opportunities in the maritime sector ranging from fishing, transportation cargo and cruise ships.
Mutua stated that the government was in the process of making Seafarers Identification Documents which will enable seafarers to work in foreign countries.
“Just like to any other professional another critical issue to Seafarers is the Seafarers Identity Document (SID). Without this document, securing opportunities to work outside the country in the maritime sector is extremely difficult. I will ensure that those without it receive the necessary support to obtain it to unlock access to job opportunities abroad,” he said.
Mutua said there was a need to address the unique challenges faced by seafarers and commended the extensive groundwork laid to establish the seafarers’ wages council.
“For far too long, the men and women who power the maritime sector, our seafarers, have faced numerous challenges, including precarious employment conditions, low wages and inadequate social protection,” Mutua said.
However, Mutua said one of the major challenges in seafarer training is the lack of dedicated training vessels and therefore urged ship owners to offer free practical training to trainees to ensure they are fully equipped with the necessary skills upon completing their courses.
“The training which is currently conducted is not real training unless there are practicals. I therefore urge ship owners to offer free practical training to trainees to prepare them for employment,” he said.
The wages council is mandated with providing economic policy interventions as well as job creation by ensuring the existence of a well-regulated and attractive working environment which will encourage more Kenyans to pursue careers in the maritime industry.
The council will also ensure fair wages and decent working conditions to seafarers as per the Employment Act, enhance Kenya’s competitiveness as a maritime nation by attracting the training skill maritime profession, strengthen the protection of seafarers’ rights by promoting their welfare and dignity and also enforce a social dialogue among employers, employees and relevant government institutions to maintain industrial harmony in the maritime sector.
The CS urged the council to adopt best practices from successful maritime nations and continuously engage in capacity-building initiatives.
“To discharge your mandate, you should strive to carry out comparative learning in other successful countries and engage in continuous capacity building which is the pillar of providing a forum for members to discuss, consult and make crucial decisions while equipping them with adequate governance skills, he noted.
By Stephen Mrira
