Kenya- Korea collaboration set to give lifeline to Kenya’s maritime education

Michelle Wanga-PCO

Kenya and South Korea will implement a joint Advanced Maritime Education and Training System under the stewardship of Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) to shore up qualified personnel in the sector.

South Korea delegation’s visit to the Authority last week formed a major part of its foundational survey. The delegates met with relevant stakeholders on the implementation of the project and discussed efforts to explore public- private cooperation opportunities.

The project aims to address the global shortage of seafarers, including in Korea while fostering sustainable development in East Africa, particularly in Kenya.

“Through the initiative, Korea will transfer its Maritime Education and Training System in compliance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) STCW Convention Standards,” said the Head of delegation, Professor Jinsoo Park, from the Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology (KIMFT).

According to BIMCO and International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Survey (2024), there will be a need for an additional 89,510 officers by 2026 to operate the world merchant fleet and the maritime industry must significantly increase training and recruitment levels if it is to avoid a serious shortage in the total supply of officers by 2026.

During the discussions, KMA’s Ag. Director General, Isaiah Nakoru, illustrated the status of maritime education and training in Kenya and assured the delegation of the Authority’s support of the project.

It was officially approved by Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries On 11th March, 2025 and is part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Kenya and South Korea on Maritime Cooperation signed in June 2024.

The Government of the Republic of South Korea approved the project to be implemented in a period of two years from 2025 to 2026.

The project will be implemented jointly between Korea Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology (KIMFT) and Maritime Education and Training Support Centre for Kenya (METSCK) from South Korea and Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) as the designated Maritime Education and Training (MET) institution from Kenya.

Kenya is currently considering an MOU on the recognition of certificates of competence between the two countries.