Seafarers call for fast-tracking of blue economy projects 

The Seafarers leaders at the Coast are highlighting the missed potential of blue economy initiatives in Mombasa County, lamenting the lost opportunities for youth employment.

They emphasised the urgent need to revitalise efforts in completing crucial projects like the multi-billion Liwatoni Fish processing plant and the Sh6 billion Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) compliant ultra-modern tuna fish hub.

Originally targeted for completion by last December, the delay in these projects is seen as a setback, prompting calls for renewed commitment and expedited action to harness the untapped economic benefits of the region's maritime resources.

The leaders caution that if the projects fail to meet their deadlines, the state's ambitious plans to bolster investments in the blue economy sector may not materialise.

“The coastal economy is based mostly on the blue economy, which is why the projects have been advancing slowly since its beginning. We're out of options," said Seafarer Daniel Kitsao.

"We expected the Liwatoni Tuna Project to employ more than 3,000 youths, but it has stalled."

Recruiting programmes

The seafarers are urging for the reinstatement of government-led seafarer recruiting programmes, citing the successful placement of over 5,000 Kenyans in shipping companies in 2022 as evidence of their effectiveness.

Another seafarer leader, Albert Adembesa urged the government to confront and fix relevant problems that Kenyan fishermen face.

He advocated for the application of the Seafarers' Identity Document (SID) Convention 185 of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which Kenya accepted and which Parliament passed in 2022.

Adembesa noted, "Despite assurances from senior government officials, the document has not been issued to seafarers."

"This material is really important and urgent. If the convention is not put into effect, more than 400 Kenyan seafarers run the risk of losing their jobs on international ship lines,” he said, adding that the President needs to intervene to allow them to work on foreign ships.

Seafarers are advocating for the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs to prioritise the establishment of a hospital for their workforce, alongside acquiring vessels for deep-sea fishing and providing refresher training.

They note with Kenya's territorial waters teeming with fish and numerous international fishing vessels operating there, there's a ripe opportunity for economic growth.

Adembesa estimates that the purchase of at least five ships could create employment for over 400 youths, further underscoring the potential benefits of investing in maritime resources.