The National Assembly Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers, led by Chairperson Hon. Lydia Haika, on Saturday conducted an oversight visit to the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) and Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) in Mombasa, aimed at evaluating the institutions’ capacity to support Kenyan maritime workers and enhance their competitiveness on the global stage.
A key highlight of the visit was the presentation on the Seafarer Identity Document (SID), an internationally recognized travel credential that is expected to significantly ease cross-border movement, enhance port and border security, and facilitate visa-free international travel for Kenyan seafarers.
BMA CEO Dr. Erick Lewa Katana, while engaging with the Committee, emphasized the urgency of embracing SID issuance in Kenya, noting that many countries do not recognize Kenya’s traditional Seafarer Book, limiting Kenyan professionals' access to lucrative maritime job opportunities abroad.
“The SID complements the passport and eliminates the need for a visa in many jurisdictions. It facilitates smoother travel, shore leave, and transit for seafarers using biometric security features similar to e-passports,” Dr. Katana explained.
Push for International MoUs and Sector Modernization
Dr. Katana also urged the Committee to champion the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with major maritime nations such as Singapore, Liberia, Panama, the Bahamas, and the Marshall Islands. These agreements would enhance mutual recognition of Kenyan seafarer credentials and prevent job access limitations.
The CEO highlighted that outdated training equipment, inherited from the Kenya Maritime Authority in 2018, remains a critical challenge. He called for additional budgetary support to help modernize the academy’s facilities and align training with global maritime standards.
“We are requesting for funding beyond the allocations in Supplementary Budget II to upgrade our equipment and curriculum in line with evolving maritime technology,” Dr. Katana stated.
In response, Committee Members advised BMA to prepare a comprehensive, itemized proposal identifying priority investment areas for consideration in upcoming budget cycles.
KMA Flags Seafarer Welfare Issues
At the Kenya Maritime Authority, officials raised concerns regarding persistent complaints from Kenyan seafarers, including abandonment at sea, unresolved wage disputes, wrongful dismissals, and challenges in handling death and natural causes on duty.
KMA representatives revealed that talks with Singapore are at an advanced stage, with an MoU expected to be signed soon. The Authority also expressed interest in finalizing similar deals with Malta, citing the country's robust maritime registry.
“Singapore and Malta together manage nearly 8,000 vessels. A partnership with Malta alone could unlock a wide array of employment prospects for Kenyan maritime professionals in the European market,” said Mr. Samba, a senior KMA official.
Committee Applauds Progress, Calls for Speedy Reforms
In her closing remarks, Hon. Haika expressed optimism about the future of Kenya’s maritime workforce, noting the ongoing policy shifts and renewed attention from both government and international partners.
“I am pleased to see active efforts to secure MoUs, strengthen vessel registration, and improve the regulatory framework. These developments are essential in unlocking global opportunities for our seafarers,” she said.
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