MOMBASA, Kenya, Feb 28 – A.P. Moller-Maersk, a global container logistics firm, and the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) have launched a maritime training programme to equip Kenyan cadets with hands-on vessel experience.
The initiative, announced in Mombasa, underscores Maersk’s commitment to developing Kenya’s maritime sector and supporting the country’s Blue Economy.
Attendees included Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, representatives from the Royal Danish Embassy in Nairobi, Bandari Maritime Academy, the Shippers Council of Eastern Africa, and the Kenya Ships Agents Association.
The programme will offer fully funded, 12-month sea-time training aboard Maersk vessels for 10 Kenyan cadets, addressing the critical challenge of gaining practical experience. Six of the selected cadets are female, reinforcing Maersk’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“At Maersk, we strive to create lasting value beyond commercial operations. This programme provides cadets with the essential sea-time training needed to launch their careers as seafarers,” said Oliver Bunting, CFO & Ag Managing Director, Maersk Kenya.
KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto lauded the initiative, emphasizing its role in addressing the shortage of local training vessels.
“We are delighted with this programme, which will benefit young seafarers and strengthen Kenya’s shipping and maritime workforce,” he said.
Cadets were selected through a rigorous screening process by Maersk’s global fleet team and will receive internationally recognized training, enhancing their employability in the maritime sector.
They will also provide feedback to their educational institutions, improving future training programmes.
The initiative builds on the strong Kenya-Denmark partnership established through a 2021 Memorandum of Understanding and aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 human capital development goals. It also reflects Maersk’s long-term commitment to Kenya through strategic public-private partnerships in education and workforce development.
