Major shipping lines operating at the port of Mombasa have opened up sea- training for Kenyan cadets on board their ships.
CMA CGM shipping company, the third biggest shipping line at the port, was the latest firm to offer 12 Kenyan cadets sea-time training on their vessels.
Yesterday, CMA CGM managing director Mr Naveen Prabhu said the 12 cadets will train for six months onboard the company’s vessels to support Kenya’s seafaring sector.
“Going forward, we hope to train more cadets to provide valuable career opportunities for Kenyan youth,” he said during the unveiling of the cadets at the Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA).
He said the programme aims to equip cadets with the necessary skills and knowledge to embark on professional careers as seafarers and called for their discipline.
The other shipping lines that have supported cadet training recently are Maersk Kenya and Mediterranean Shipping Company, which are top firms at the port.
This follows the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the government to carry out the mandatory training at sea before the cadets get certification as marine officers from the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA).
Yesterday, a student representative, Ms Elsy Nyambura, urged CMA CGM to extend the sea-time training to 12 months to enable them to get the certification from KMA.
BMA chief executive officer Dr Eric Katana commended shipping lines for availing sea-time opportunities to cadets in the country, saying this has been achieved following cooperation with stakeholders in the maritime sector.
“At the outset, I would like to extend our deepest appreciation to CMA CGM for their unwavering support and the collaborative spirit they have demonstrated since the signing of our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership has not only opened doors for our cadets but has also affirmed CMA CGM’s commitment to the development of maritime professionals in Kenya and the region,” Dr Katana stated.
He said BMA has taken a bold step in demystifying sea-time opportunities – a challenge that has historically been a major bottleneck for many aspiring seafarers.
“Through strategic engagements with industry partners like CMA CGM, we are not only opening up pathways but also restoring hope and direction to our graduates,” he added.
Last month, Maersk and Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) unveiled a cadet training programme aimed at providing hands-on experience and exposure to international maritime standards and operations.
This programme aims to strengthen Kenya's position in the global maritime sector and support the development of a skilled workforce.
Maersk Eastern Africa Region acting managing director Mr Oliver Bunting's cadet training was an investment in Kenya’s future maritime trade, which depends on a highly skilled and competitive workforce.
“It facilitates the movement of goods, driving economic growth and creating opportunities for millions. As global trade evolves, so must the people who sustain it,” Bunting said.
KPA managing director Captain William Ruto had urged other shipping lines to emulate Maersk’s initiative to provide sea time to students, which has been lacking in the country. He hailed the collaboration with the shipping line.
“The cadets that will be trained will be officers of the ship. As we put the anchor down ourselves, we will have somebody who will pick up from where we left,” Ruto said.
