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Hon. Geoffrey Kaituko, Chief Guest Speech

SPEECH

BY

 Hon. Geoffrey Kaituko,

PRINCIPAL SECRETARY,

STATE DEPARTMENT FOR SHIPPING AND MARITIME AFFAIRS, MINISTRY OF MINING, BLUE ECONOMY AND MARITIME AFFAIRS

DURING THE 

LAUNCH OF MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY, MALINDI MARITIME ACADEMY

ON

26^TH SEPTEMBER, 2024

THE WORLD MARITIME DAY - 2024

THEME:

"NAVIGATING THE FUTURE: SAFETY FIRST!"

• Salutation

• E. Gideon Maitha Mung’aro, Governor, Kilifi County (Represented),
• Captain William Ruto, Managing Director, Kenya Ports Authority,
• Captain Peter Munga, Director, Maritime Education, Training and Labour, KMA,
• Mnyazi Amina Laura, Member of Parliament, Malindi Constituency, Kilifi County,
• Gertrude Mbeyu Mwanyanje, Women Representative, Kilifi County,
• Twaher Abdulkarim, Member of County Assembly, Shella Ward, Kilifi County,
• Mwenda Njoka, CEO Cape Media,
• Chairman, Mount Kenya University Council, Dr. Vincent Gaitho,
• Mount Kenya University Council Members Present,
• Vice-Chancellor, Mount Kenya University, Prof. Deogratius JAGANYI,
• Members of University Management Board present,
• Staff members present,
• Students,
• Distinguished, Invited Guests,
• Ladies and gentlemen.

• Preliminaries

It is a tremendous honor to be here today as we launch the Malindi Maritime Academy, a new cornerstone for Kenya’s maritime education sector. Today’s event is not only a celebration of Mount Kenya University’s (MKU) commitment to advancing maritime education but also a significant step towards positioning Kenya as a global leader in the blue economy.

• Partnerships to Enhance Maritime Training and Employment

Ladies and gentlemen, today, as we mark World Maritime Day, the theme for this year, “Navigating the Future Together,” could not be more relevant to our gathering. The maritime industry is an integral part of the global economy, and it is evolving rapidly with new technologies, regulations, and opportunities. To be competitive in this space, we need to work collaboratively—governments, universities, industry players, and communities must come together to prepare the next generation of maritime professionals. This academy will play a crucial role in achieving this objective.

Therefore, I am happy to recognize the excellent partnerships that the Government of Kenya has cultivated over the past few years with international shipping lines, global maritime organizations, and other maritime nations. These partnerships are designed to provide our maritime students with the critical sea time they need for their training and eventual certification. As you may know, one of the biggest challenges for maritime graduates globally is securing sea time, a prerequisite for professional qualification.

Through our collaborations with Germany, Japan, South Korea, China, and other major maritime nations, we have secured agreements that will allow Kenyan cadets, including those graduating from institutions like this academy, to undergo their sea-time training on international vessels. These opportunities are essential not only for the hands-on experience they provide but also for the exposure to international maritime standards and operations.

In addition, we have strengthened our relationships with leading shipping lines such as Maersk, CMA CGM, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), and others to ensure that Kenyan cadets and maritime professionals are given priority for placement on their fleets. This partnership framework is crucial for creating sustainable career pathways for our maritime graduates, enabling them to gain not just sea time but also long-term employment in global maritime industries.

Furthermore, I am happy to announce that the Government is in discussions to create bilateral agreements with more countries to recognize Kenya’s maritime training certifications, specifically those issued by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA). Our goal is to ensure that Kenyan certifications are recognized internationally, opening up new employment avenues for our seafarers and maritime professionals in countries that currently have high demand for skilled labor in this sector. This will make our graduates more competitive on the global stage and ensure they can access a wider range of job opportunities worldwide.

• The Role of the Kenya Maritime Authority in Advancing Maritime Standards

Speaking of the Kenya Maritime Authority, it plays a pivotal role in regulating and enhancing the standards of maritime training in our country. KMA has been instrumental in ensuring that our institutions, including this newly established academy, meet international standards in maritime education and training.

I want to assure you that the Government, through the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs  and the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, is committed to supporting KMA in all its endeavors. We are working on ensuring that Kenya’s maritime certifications, especially those relating to the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW), meet the International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards. This will ensure that our graduates can seamlessly transition into the global maritime workforce.

We are also making significant strides in regulating and upgrading port services, ensuring that Kenya remains a competitive maritime hub. The Government has prioritized the development of our ports, particularly the Port of Mombasa and the Lamu Port, to attract more international shipping lines. The modernization of these ports is not only creating jobs but also providing new opportunities for Kenyan seafarers and maritime professionals.

• Opportunities Awaiting Graduates of the Malindi Maritime Academy

To the students who will walk through the doors of the Malindi Maritime Academy, I want to say this: You are entering into a field filled with limitless opportunities. The maritime industry is vast and diverse. It encompasses shipping, logistics, port management, marine engineering, nautical science, offshore resource exploration, marine conservation, and much more. The demand for qualified professionals in these areas is higher than ever, both locally and internationally.

Kenya is strategically positioned on the East African coast, with proximity to key global shipping routes. This, coupled with the Blue Economy Strategy the Government is implementing, offers you incredible opportunities for growth and employment. Through initiatives such as marine tourism, fisheries development, and ocean-based energy resources, Kenya is poised to be a leader in the sustainable exploitation of ocean resources. This academy is positioned to play a central role in training the professionals who will drive these industries forward.

Moreover, the global shortage of qualified seafarers means that there are immediate opportunities for well-trained cadets, engineers, and officers. According to the International Chamber of Shipping, the world is currently facing a deficit of around 26,000 officers, and this gap is expected to grow. As graduates of this academy, you will be well-placed to meet this demand and secure high-paying jobs in the maritime industry.

• Fostering Innovation and Research in the Maritime Sector

Allow me to add that, training and employment are not the only paths forward. The maritime industry is evolving, and with that evolution comes the need for innovation and research. This academy must not only focus on producing competent seafarers but also become a center for research and development in maritime technologies, port management systems, marine sustainability practices, and ocean resource management.

We live in a time when digital technologies like Artificial Intelligence, automation, and blockchain are revolutionizing global shipping and logistics. Kenya must not be left behind. I challenge the Malindi Maritime Academy to become a hub for maritime research and innovation. Encourage your students to explore new ideas, create solutions to the challenges facing our oceans, and find ways to make shipping more efficient and environmentally sustainable.

• Commitment to the Blue Economy and Invitation to More Stakeholders

The Blue Economy, which focuses on the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem, is a key pillar of Kenya’s development strategy. The Government is investing heavily in this sector, and we expect it to contribute significantly to Kenya’s GDP in the coming years.

Through this academy, you have a unique opportunity to train professionals who will not only thrive in traditional maritime industries but also in emerging blue economy sectors such as aquaculture, marine biotechnology, renewable ocean energy, and marine tourism. The knowledge and skills gained here will help drive Kenya’s economic growth while ensuring that our ocean resources are managed sustainably.

To support these efforts, the Government is actively engaging the private sector to invest in maritime industries. The development of shipbuilding and repair facilities, the modernization of port infrastructure, and the establishment of logistics hubs are all areas ripe for private sector participation.

I encourage Kenyan entrepreneurs and investors to explore these opportunities, which can yield significant returns while contributing to job creation and economic diversification.

• Conclusion – Appreciation and Re-affirmation

In conclusion, the Malindi Maritime Academy represents a critical step forward for Kenya’s maritime sector. It is an investment in our youth, our economy, and our future. The Government is fully committed to supporting this institution and ensuring that it becomes a world-class center for maritime education and research.

To the management of Mount Kenya University, the Kenya Maritime Authority, and all stakeholders involved in this endeavor, I extend my sincere congratulations. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that the Malindi Maritime Academy will have on the maritime sector in Kenya and beyond.

To the students who will call this academy home, I say this: Take full advantage of the opportunities before you. The world’s oceans are vast, and your future in the maritime industry holds endless possibilities.

Thank you, and may we continue to navigate the future together.

Hon. Geoffrey Kaituko
STATE DEPARTMENT FOR SHIPPING AND MARITIME AFFAIRS, MINISTRY OF MINING, BLUE ECONOMY AND MARITIME AFFAIRS