Kenyan Cadets to benefit from Maersk-KPA Maritime Training Programme
Kenya’s maritime sector is set to receive a significant boost as A.P. Moller – Maersk, a global leader in shipping and logistics, partners with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to launch a world-class maritime training programme. This initiative will equip young Kenyan cadets with hands-on sea-time experience, a crucial requirement for professional careers in the shipping industry.
Unveiled in Mombasa, the programme marks Maersk’s commitment to nurturing Kenya’s next generation of seafarers while strengthening the country’s Blue Economy. The launch event was attended by Mombasa Governor HE 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 provide 10 Kenyan cadets with fully funded, 12-month sea-time training aboard Maersk vessels. Sea-time training is a mandatory requirement for seafarers but has historically been a challenge for Kenyan cadets due to a lack of local vessels offering practical experience.
“At Maersk, we are dedicated to creating lasting value beyond our commercial operations,” said Oliver Bunting, CFO & Acting Managing Director at Maersk Kenya. “These cadets represent Kenya’s maritime ambitions, and we’re backing their dreams with real-world experience on one of the world’s largest ocean networks. This isn’t just about training – it’s about transforming lives and reshaping the future of Kenya’s maritime sector.”
The initiative aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes human resource development and the upskilling of young professionals. It also builds on the 2021 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kenya and Denmark on maritime cooperation, emphasizing education and workforce development.
A key milestone in the programme is its focus on gender diversity. Out of the 10 selected cadets, six are women, underscoring Maersk’s commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in the shipping industry.
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has lauded the initiative as a critical step toward strengthening the country’s shipping workforce. “We, as the port operator, are delighted with this new initiative that will benefit our young seafarers and at the same time promote human capital development, which is essential for the growth of Kenya’s maritime sector,” said KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto.
The cadets were selected through a rigorous screening process conducted by Maersk’s global fleet team. Their training will adhere to international maritime standards, enhancing their employability within Maersk and the global shipping industry.
Upon completing their training, the cadets will provide feedback to their educational institutions, ensuring that future maritime students in Kenya benefit from continuous improvements in training programmes.
This initiative highlights Maersk’s long-term commitment to Kenya’s maritime sector through strategic public-private partnerships. By addressing the sea-time training gap, the programme opens doors for Kenyan seafarers in the global maritime industry, ultimately boosting employment and economic growth in the country