President Kenyatta congratulates 136 Kenyans to be employed as seafarers

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday congratulated 136 Kenyans who have gained employment as seafarers on several ships owned by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).

The 136 seafarers are part of a contingent of 275 Kenyans who have so far gained employment as part of ongoing government efforts to position the blue economy sector as a key economic driver.

The President revealed that the seafarers have got lucrative jobs and asked them to use their incomes wisely for the benefit of their families and their country.

“We can happily disclose that the lowest salary these seafarers will earn is a minimum of Kshs.85,000 per month,” said the President.

In addition, each seafarer will receive one return ticket for annual leave, meals and accommodation, health insurance as well as access to free world class in-house training to enable them to progress their careers.

The first batch of seafarers will serve in various fields including ship rating, cruise staff, cabin stewards, cooks, secretaries, shop attendants and animators.

“I also urge you to emulate the seafarers who have been recruited before you.  Because of their exemplary performance, the Mediterranean Shipping Company has steadily increased the hiring of young Kenyans to work in their ships.   Serve with professionalism, dignity and integrity and build Kenya’s reputation at sea,” the President told the newly recruited seafarers.

The seafarers were introduced by Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe who heads a government task force on the blue economy.

The President spoke during the flagging off of the first consignment of Kenyan crude oil at the Port of Mombasa on Monday.

The consignment of 200,000 barrels of low sulphur crude from Kenya’s oil fields in Turkana County destined for the United Kingdom is worth Ksh.1.2 billion.

Petroleum CS John Munyes said the Government plans to construct a pipeline between Turkana and Lamu to transport the crude oil.

Governors Ali Hassan Joho (Mombasa), Fahim Twaha (Lamu), Prof John Lonyangapuo (West Pokot), Salim Mvurya (Kwale) and the Deputy Governor of Turkana County Peter Emuria also spoke at the function.