Fresh leadership ushers in new era for Kenyan seafarers
Mwamosa triumphed over the outgoing chairperson, Haransa Abdalla Mwanziku, in a landslide victory that saw him secure 70 out of 73 votes, with Mwanziku receiving only one.
Kenyan seafarers have ushered in a new chapter of leadership following the election of Salim Juma Mwamosa as the new chairman of the Kenya Seafarers Welfare Association (KSWA), marking a decisive shift in the organisation’s direction.
Mwamosa triumphed over the outgoing chairperson, Haransa Abdalla Mwanziku, in a landslide victory that saw him secure 70 out of 73 votes, with Mwanziku receiving only one.
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Two ballots were declared invalid.
The new leadership has vowed to restore cohesion within the seafaring fraternity, prioritise employment opportunities, and strengthen collaboration with industry players to advance Kenya’s maritime workforce.
He will serve alongside Sammy Mwendar, who was elected as his deputy.
Speaking shortly after his victory was confirmed, Salim pledged to revitalise the association and strengthen ties with relevant agencies, including the Kenya Maritime Authority, and both national and county governments, to create employment pathways for seafarers.
“We intend to register all seafarers and compile their CVs to facilitate easier job placements. Within the first four months, members will witness a visible transformation,” he assured.
Salim extended gratitude to the members for entrusting him with the leadership despite his predecessor’s long tenure, acknowledging Mwanziku’s seven years of service.
The election also saw Said Juma take the position of treasurer after garnering all 73 votes cast, while his rival, Charles Nalisi Amasimbi, failed to secure any.
Said vowed to foster unity and breathe life into a sector he described as having stagnated for too long.
“Our main goal is to see Kenyan seafarers back in active service. Even those beyond the ideal working age can still contribute, for instance, as ship security officers. We have endured hardship for years, but this new leadership is determined to change that,” Said stated.
The new team, which includes Helen Ngao as secretary (elected unopposed), Hamis Mwamowe as deputy secretary, and Hamad Ramadhan as deputy treasurer, is seen as a blend of experience and youthful energy. They will be supported by trustees Mohamed Hamis and Shem Shilingi, with committees led by Hamad Mosa (Training), Juma Makayamba (Health), and Kinga Anjere and Johari Yahya (Labour).
Several members of the association expressed optimism, saying the newly elected board represented hope for long-overdue reforms.
“We finally have a team that listens and understands our challenges. There’s real confidence that they’ll deliver,” said one member during celebrations that followed the announcement.
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