By Fredrick Odiero
Shipping and Maritime Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Nancy Karigithu has urged youths in the country to take up maritime education and practical training courses.
Speaking at Impala Sanctuary during the Kisumu Maritime Summit aimed at initiating conversations on investment opportunities in the Lake Region, the PS said the skills would enable the students to tap into the millions of job opportunities in the Blue Economy.
‘The government has immensely contributed towards revitalizing the maritime sector. Educating and training people prepares them for future careers in the maritime sector,’ she said.
She urged the society to invest more in training the youth on maritime economy to enable them get quality, well-paying and lifelong career jobs.
She said the government should invest in the youth to help spur economic growth in the ever developing sector.
Karigithu further called on Kenya Certificate for Secondary Education (KCSE) top brass candidates who scored Grade A to consider training on maritime courses so as to find a footprint in the industry.
‘Two thirds of students who sit for KCSE do not join university. How much can we achieve in the blue economy if we invested in them?” she asked.
She revealed that the international maritime sector offers scholarship opportunities for young trainees in Kenya and beyond to travel abroad so as to advance their knowledge and sharpen their skills in specialized areas.
“If you get the opportunity to go abroad, go and study but bring home the experience you acquire and help develop the sector in your motherland,” she said.
She added that Kenya has made big strides in ensuring that the maritime and shipping sector is taking center stage on the continent by spearheading capacity building with countries that have a focus on the industry.
She emphasized on the need to commercialize activities on lakes and the ocean.
She revealed that President Uhuru Kenyatta removed maritime affairs from other departments and created a standalone department that is more focused on relooking at the issues of the Blue Economy.
‘The sector is integrated as one of the eight sectors of economic pillars of Vision 2030 with an aim to annually contribute 10 percent to the national economy.’ She revealed.
She added that proper utilization of the available opportunities in the blue economy will enable the country surpass its national economic goals.
She further explained that the area covered by water in Kenya is equivalent to the area that would occupy 34 counties and that is a huge provision for economic development.
Present during the summit was Kisumu Governor professor Peter Nyong’o.
The governor said that in the recent past, there has been a lot of insecurity in the maritime sector.
Nyong’o said that said pollution in Lake Victoria has led to growth of invasive weeds like the water hyacinth weed.
‘My government will sponsor two students from each of the 35 wards for maritime courses.’ He said.
The governor further said that a revitalized Kisumu Port will offer employment to youths.
