Hundreds of Kenyan youth could soon find opportunities on the global seas after President William Ruto announced a landmark labour agreement with Norway that aims to recruit 1,000 Kenyan seafarers by 2030. The partnership is expected to boost overseas employment while strengthening Kenya’s growing blue economy ambitions.
Highlights
- Kenya and Norway have agreed to recruit 1,000 Kenyan seafarers by 2030.
- The first group of 120 recruits is expected to secure jobs by the end of 2026.
- Norwegian shipping companies, including Wilhelmsen Ship Management, will participate in the recruitment.
- The partnership also covers maritime training, green shipping and technology transfer.
- Kenya and Norway are exploring new shipping links between Mombasa, Lamu and Norwegian ports.
Main Story
Kenya Expands Overseas Employment Opportunities
President William Ruto has announced a new labour mobility partnership that will see Kenyan seafarers secure employment with Norwegian shipping companies over the coming years.
The agreement was reached during talks with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association in Oslo, where both sides explored ways to deepen cooperation in the maritime sector while creating new opportunities for Kenyan professionals.
1,000 Jobs Targeted by 2030
Under the arrangement, Wilhelmsen Ship Management alongside other Norwegian maritime firms will recruit Kenyan seafarers, with the first intake of 120 workers expected before the end of 2026.
The long-term objective is to place 1,000 Kenyans in Norway’s maritime industry by 2030, providing skilled employment opportunities and exposing local talent to international shipping operations.
More Than Just Jobs
The discussions extended beyond recruitment, with Kenya and Norway exploring collaboration in maritime education, skills development, innovation and technology exchange.
The two countries also examined opportunities in green shipping, sustainable ocean management, fisheries development and initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions within the maritime sector.
Strengthening Kenya’s Blue Economy
Another key area of discussion involved improving trade links through new shipping routes connecting the ports of Mombasa and Lamu with ports in Norway.
The proposed collaboration is expected to improve supply chains, encourage investment and support Kenya’s ambitions of expanding its shipbuilding and maritime logistics capacity.
The latest agreement forms part of the government’s broader strategy to increase overseas employment opportunities while positioning Kenya as a competitive player in the global blue economy.
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