Faith Masita
Kenya and Norway have signed a partnership agreement aimed at creating employment opportunities for 1,000 Kenyan seafarers by 2030, marking a significant step in the country's efforts to expand overseas job placements.
The agreement, signed during high-level engagements between the two countries, seeks to connect qualified Kenyan maritime professionals with employment opportunities in Norway's shipping industry, which faces a growing demand for skilled labor.
Partnership Opens New Maritime Jobs for Kenyans.
The deal is expected to strengthen cooperation in maritime training, skills development, and labor mobility while boosting Kenya's blue economy agenda.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, officials said the partnership would provide Kenyan seafarers with access to international job markets and enhance their professional experience aboard global vessels.
Labour and maritime authorities noted that the initiative aligns with the government's broader strategy to secure decent jobs abroad for Kenyan youth and skilled workers.
The programme will also support capacity building in maritime education institutions to ensure graduates meet international industry standards.
Officials expressed confidence that the partnership will increase employment opportunities, generate remittances, and position Kenya as a leading supplier of maritime talent in the region.
The agreement comes amid growing global demand for seafarers, with countries increasingly looking beyond traditional labor markets to fill workforce gaps in the shipping sector
