Kenyan cadets to benefit from maritime training programme by Maersk, KPA

Global shipping giant A.P. Moller-Maersk, in collaboration with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), has launched a comprehensive maritime training program in sea-time training for Kenyan cadets.

The initiative which was unveiled in Mombasa on Thursday seeks to provide fully funded, 12-month sea-time training aboard Maersk vessels for 10 Kenyan cadets, a move expected to significantly boost the country’s maritime sector and support its Blue Economy.

Speaking at the event, Maersk Kenya’s acting Managing Director Oliver Bunting underscored the importance of practical training in the career progression of seafarers.

“At Maersk, we are dedicated to creating lasting value that extends beyond our commercial operations. This 12-month programme covers the most essential part of the process for a cadet to embark on a professional career as a seafarer,” said Bunting.

“These cadets represent Kenya’s maritime ambitions, and we’re backing their dreams with real-world experience on the ships of one of the world’s largest ocean networks. This isn’t just about training – it’s about transforming lives, reshaping the future of Kenya’s maritime sector.”

KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto lauded Maersk’s effort for the programme acknowledging that the lack of local vessels for practical sea-time experience has been a major challenge for seafarers.

“We as the port operator are delighted with this new initiative that will benefit our young seafarers and at the same time promote the human capital which is critical for the development of the shipping and maritime sector in our country,” Captain Ruto said.

The training opportunity is expected to address the challenge of securing sea-time experience and position the cadets for employment within Maersk and the wider global maritime industry.

Maersk says that the move is also part of a broader collaboration between Kenya and Denmark, reinforced by a 2021 MoU on maritime training and development and also aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030.

In line with Maersk’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the maritime industry, six out of the 10 cadets picked for the program were women.

The company which boasts operations in more than 130 countries worldwide says the cadets were selected through a rigorous screening process conducted by Maersk’s global fleet team and will receive training that meets international maritime standards.

After the training, the final appointments will be made once all necessary documentation is completed.

Maersk further notes that during the program, the cadets will also provide feedback to their educational institutions, ensuring continuous improvement for future batches of trainees.

The training initiative reflects Maersk’s long-term commitment to Kenya’s maritime industry, strengthening strategic public-private partnerships in areas such as education and human capital development.