The Principal Secretary in the State Department for Labor and Skills Development, Shadrack Mwadime, has urged Kenyan youth to take full advantage of the opportunities available in the blue economy sector.
Speaking at the Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa during the graduation ceremony of 24 Kerio Valley residents who completed the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) course, Mwadime noted that the sector remains largely underutilized despite its significant potential as a source of livelihood.
“80 percent of global transport is conducted via water bodies. The remaining 20 percent includes air and other forms of transport,” he said.
The PS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling rising unemployment levels nationwide.
“We have implemented measures to reduce the unemployment rate because we are determined to improve people’s livelihoods,” he added.
Mwadime pointed out that the certification of the 24 divers from Kerio Valley will enable them to seek new opportunities, particularly in international waters.
“Think of countries like the UK and Qatar—we need to fully venture into the blue economy,” he said.
One of the graduates, Ambrose Yator, welcomed the initiative, saying it would help them meet their daily needs more effectively.
“This certification opens up new opportunities for us, including work in the high seas,” said Yator. “I’ve been in the diving profession for the past 12 years. On a good day, one can earn at least Ksh500, or Ksh1,000 when working in pairs.”
Another beneficiary, Nathan Kipchirchir, noted that the STCW training covered key areas such as maritime security, first aid, and social responsibility.
“There’s so much we learned, and the skills we’ve acquired will benefit our communities back home,” Kipchirchir said.
CPA Fridah Keitany, an advisor to the divers, said they are engaging the Baringo County government to help the graduates take advantage of emerging opportunities in the sector.
“These certificates are just the beginning. We are passionate about this initiative and committed to supporting these young people as they move forward,” she said.