The Kenya Ship Agents Association (KSAA) reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare, safety, and professional development of Kenyan seafarers as it joined maritime stakeholders and industry leaders to commemorate the Day of the Seafarer 2026 at the Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa.
Speaking during the commemoration, KSAA Chief Executive Officer Elijah Mbaru EM reaffirmed the Association's’ continued commitment to the engagement and placement of seafarers, including those currently onboard vessels.
KSAA noted that its members facilitate a significant share of global and national trade, handling 85% of global trade and 90% of national trade.
“The safety and wellbeing of the seafarers is at the top priority of our engagement with industry leaders, currently we stand at head count 2.5 million mariners and we project a demand of over 114,000.00 seafarers by 2030 and African countries should be ready to fill this gap,” said Mbaru.
He further highlighted the need for increased investment in maritime training, noting that the industry currently has over 56,000 ratings but faces a shortage of approximately 39,000 officers, creating an urgent need to train and develop more qualified maritime professionals to meet future demand.
The event brought together key maritime stakeholders, including Kenya Maritime Authority Director General CPA Omae Nyarandi, who addressed the media during the commemorations, alongside the Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for the Blue Economy, Ibrahim Khamis.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), Ms Atie Ramadhan, Secretary General of the Seafarers Union of Kenya (SUK), officials from the Mombasa County Department of Blue Economy, and other maritime industry leaders.
Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to seafarer welfare, safety, and professional growth in Kenya’s maritime sector under this year’s theme: “Carrying World Trade. Carrying the Risks.”
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