The National Assembly Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers, led by Chairperson Hon. Lydia Haika (MP, Taita Taveta), conducted an oversight visit to the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) and Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s maritime sector and enhancing overseas labor deployment for Kenyan seafarers.
A key highlight of the visit was the focus on the Seafarer Identity Document (SID), which is set to significantly ease cross-border movement, enhance maritime security, and streamline international travel for Kenyan maritime professionals. The SID, which employs biometric technology similar to e-passports, eliminates the need for visas in many instances and facilitates boarding, disembarkation, and shore leave for seafarers.
During a meeting with the Committee, BMA CEO Dr. Erick Lewa Katana underscored the growing necessity of the SID in securing international employment. He lamented that many nations still do not recognize Kenya’s Seafarer Book, leading to lost job opportunities for qualified seafarers.
“The SID complements the passport and contains comprehensive personal data, making it a globally trusted document. Without it, Kenyan seafarers face significant limitations,” said Dr. Katana.
Dr. Katana also urged the Committee to champion the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with major maritime nations such as Liberia, Panama, the Marshall Islands, Singapore, and the Bahamas, to ensure mutual recognition of seafarer credentials and prevent unnecessary job rejections or denial of port access.
The Academy highlighted the need for urgent modernization of training facilities, citing outdated equipment inherited from KMA in 2018. Dr. Katana appealed for additional funding beyond what was allocated in Supplementary Budget II, warning that without investment in new technology, BMA risks lagging behind in training standards.
In response, Committee members advised BMA to draft a comprehensive, itemized budget to prioritize its most pressing needs and ensure efficient utilization of public funds.
At KMA, officials raised serious concerns regarding recurrent complaints from Kenyan seafarers, including cases of abandonment, wrongful dismissal, delayed wages, and complications arising from death during service.
The Authority also revealed that negotiations are underway with Singapore, with a Memorandum of Understanding expected to be signed soon. According to KMA, similar agreements with countries like Malta could unlock access to thousands of international vessels and open up new employment avenues in the European maritime market.
“Singapore and Malta alone account for nearly 8,000 vessels. An MoU with Malta could be transformative for our seafarers,” noted KMA’s Mr. Samba.
In her closing remarks, Hon. Haika commended the efforts of both institutions and reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to advancing maritime interests.
“I am pleased to learn that budgetary allocations have been approved, MoUs are being pursued, and vessel registration is progressing. These steps are critical to expanding global opportunities for our maritime professionals,” she said.
The visit marks a significant step forward in addressing the structural and diplomatic hurdles that hinder the international mobility and employment of Kenyan seafarers.
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