Kenya Exports Skilled Labour to Tackle Unemployment.
Kenya is uniquely positioned to thrive in the modern labour market, which increasingly prioritizes skills and competencies. Kenyan workers are highly sought after worldwide due to their expertise, placing the country in a favorable position to become a major labour-exporting nation.
Geoffrey Kaituko, Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, emphasized Kenya’s strategic efforts to address unemployment while meeting global demands for skilled labour.
He highlighted his past efforts in the Labour Ministry, where bilateral labour agreements were established with 19 countries to create opportunities for Kenyans in international markets.
“We have many young people. Some of them are desirous of getting jobs in global labour markets. And so, as a country, we wanted to position ourselves strategically.
Kaituko addressed over 4,000 graduates during the 11th graduation ceremony at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM), stating that the timing is ideal as Kenya seeks to expand employment opportunities both locally and abroad.
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He emphasized aligning education and training programs with international standards, such as the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for seafarers, to ensure graduates’ global competitiveness.
Kenya’s inclusion in the IMO whitelist since 2011 affirms that its maritime education programs meet international standards, allowing graduates to work on foreign vessels.
Kaituko stressed the importance of maintaining these standards as the maritime sector becomes a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy.
The Growing Blue Economy
The blue economy, encompassing industries such as mining, aquaculture, maritime transport, and renewable ocean energy, is a vital part of Kenya’s economic growth.
Kaituko noted the government’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for the maritime sector, highlighting the need to strengthen maritime governance as a foundation for success.
He pointed out that over 90% of global trade relies on maritime transport, underscoring the demand for skilled professionals. Kenya aims to position itself as a leader by equipping universities and colleges to deliver training aligned with national and international standards.
Kaituko also emphasized the need for capacity building and modern equipment to complement theoretical learning.
Kaituko noted that aligning training programs with market demands requires collaboration among all stakeholders, not just the government. He praised TUM for emerging as a premier maritime education institution in the region, preparing graduates to excel in the blue economy.
TUM’s Role in the Blue Economy
TUM Vice Chancellor Prof. Leila Abubakar celebrated the institution’s growth as a hub of knowledge and innovation. Addressing the graduates, she expressed confidence in their ability to tackle challenges and seize opportunities in the labour market.
She highlighted the graduation theme, “Technological Transformation for Sustainable Opportunities within the Blue Economy,” as a reflection of the shared responsibility to address global challenges such as climate change and food security.
Prof. Abubakar urged graduates to embrace innovation and sustainability, emphasizing TUM’s commitment to equipping them with tools for economic growth and environmental conservation.
She announced the launch of TUM’s Institute of Maritime Studies, which recently received approval for a Seafarers Medical First Aid course, making it the only institution in the region with this STCW-approved program.
Graduates as Agents of Transformation
The Vice Chancellor encouraged the graduates to conduct further research and embrace opportunities in the blue economy, which she described as the next frontier of development.
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She expressed confidence in their ability to drive sustainable development and contribute to global challenges through innovative solutions.
Prof. Abubakar concluded by affirming TUM’s belief in education as the key to addressing pressing global issues, positioning the graduates as pioneers in the transformative shift toward sustainable economic growth.
Kenya Exports Skilled Labour to Tackle Unemployment.
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