Government Initiates Comprehensive Inspection and Reforms in Maritime Sector
Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Salim Mvurya and the Principal Secretary, for shipping and maritime affairs Geoffrey Kaituko addresses stakeholders in Mombasa regarding the upcoming vessel inspection and reforms in the maritime sector.
In a landmark move aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency in Kenya's maritime domain, the government has unveiled a multifaceted strategy encompassing vessel inspections, leadership appointments, and reforms in seafarer training. The initiative, spearheaded by Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and Principal Secretary Geoffrey Kaituko, signals a proactive approach towards fostering sustainable growth and bolstering regulatory frameworks within the maritime sector.
The announcement was made following a high-level meeting convened in Mombasa, where top officials from key maritime entities including the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA), and Kenya National Shipping Line (KNSL) deliberated on strategic measures to propel the industry forward.
Central to the agenda was the imminent commencement of marine vessel inspections, slated to commence on April 1st. Cabinet Secretary Mvurya underscored the significance of this exercise, emphasizing its pivotal role in ensuring the seaworthiness of vessels operating within Kenyan waters. With a focus on vessels measuring 24 meters and below, the inspection campaign aims to enforce compliance with regulatory standards while enhancing safety protocols.
"We want to ensure that these vessels meet the prescribed criteria and operate within a safe environment," stated Mvurya. "Through comprehensive inspections and registration processes, we seek to bolster our capacity for managing rescue operations and maintaining an accurate database of maritime assets."
Moreover, Mvurya highlighted the government's commitment to facilitating the inspection process by offering a waiver for vessel owners, thereby removing financial barriers to compliance. The Kenya Maritime Authority will spearhead the implementation of the inspection campaign, working in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure its effectiveness.
In parallel, the government announced the appointment of Dr. Eric Lewa Katana as the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA), effective February 12, 2024. Dr. Katana's extensive experience in maritime administration, coupled with his academic credentials, positions him as a transformative leader poised to drive innovation and excellence within the institution.
With a distinguished career spanning various leadership roles at institutions such as the Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA) and the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Dr. Katana brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. His academic qualifications, including a Bachelor of Science (Honors) Degree, a Master of Business Administration, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration, and a Diploma in Business Management, underscore his commitment to academic and professional excellence.
"We have confidence in him and believe that he is going to bring changes to our institution," affirmed Mvurya, expressing optimism about the transformative impact of Dr. Katana's leadership.
Furthermore, in response to concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the affordability of seafarer training, the government announced plans to review the fees charged by the Bandari Maritime College. Cabinet Secretary Mvurya acknowledged the importance of making maritime education accessible to all Kenyans, particularly the youth, and pledged to collaborate with the college and the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) to devise a more equitable fee structure.
"There has been a lot of discussion and concern from the youths and leaders that the training is very expensive," noted Mvurya. "In the next two weeks, Bandari Maritime College and the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) will be working together to develop new fee structures that reflect our commitment to inclusivity and affordability."
As Kenya embarks on this comprehensive agenda of inspection, leadership appointments, and reforms, the government reaffirms its dedication to fostering a thriving maritime sector that prioritizes safety, innovation, and opportunity for all stakeholders.