Copyright standardmedia
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki inspects construction works at the Regional Centre for Marine Transport & Port Logistics, Kombani, Kwale county on April 16, 2025. [Courtesy] Kenya’s maritime sector is set for a major boost as the government inches closer to completing a Sh1.8 billion Regional Flagship Marine Transport and Ports Logistics Centre in Kwale County. Funded by the World Bank through the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP), the construction of the centre is 94 per cent complete. It is expected to admit its first trainees in January 2026. Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Ogamba said the centre will transform maritime training and create new opportunities for young people to benefit from the Blue Economy. The project includes a maritime training centre, a catering centre and a swimming pool that meets the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) requirements. “Once completed, the campus will provide a state-of-the-art learning environment tailored to the unique needs of maritime training,” stated the CS during a recent working tour at the coast. The facility will offer comprehensive programmes in marine transport, port logistics, onboard operations and related disciplines, thus equipping youth with the skills, knowledge, and competencies required to excel in a competitive maritime industry. “This is a significant milestone in our journey towards preparing our youth to take advantage of employment opportunities in the blue economy sector,” stated Ogamba. The CS encouraged partnerships between the institution and the maritime industry to ensure the graduates are job-ready to contribute to the industry growth and transformation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in education, skills development and infrastructure development to drive sustainable economic growth. “By supporting projects such as the Kenya Coast National Polytechnic Kwale Campus, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future, creating opportunities for young Kenyans, and positioning our nation at the forefront of maritime innovation and leadership,” he said. Principal Secretary (PS) for Shipping and Maritime, Aden Millah, said the government is committed to global partnerships that promote ocean health and support a sustainable blue economy. The PS disclosed that Kenya has ratified several marine environments, security and safety-related conventions, which provide a conducive environment for the growth of blue economy activities. The State Department has developed the Marine Spatial Planning and Ocean Zoning to ensure a balanced and sustainable use of marine and coastal resources. “Through these global and regional partnerships, Kenya is enhancing its capacity to secure its maritime domain, attract sustainable investment, uphold international standards and lead in building a resilient and inclusive blue economy not only for our nation but for the region and world at large,” he stated. Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) Director General (DG) Omae Nyarandi urged maritime stakeholders to safeguard marine ecosystems and harness ocean resources responsibly in line with this year’s theme, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.” The DG noted that the maritime sector is the lifeline of the global economy, connecting nations, enabling trade, and driving development. “In Kenya, KMA continues to fulfil its mandate to regulate, coordinate, and oversee maritime affairs with dedication and progress,” he stated. “Over the years, we have enhanced customer service by streamlining licensing, certification, and emergency response, promoted sustainable maritime opportunities for socio-economic growth; and strengthened our capacity to regulate and develop the sector effectively,” he added.
