Seafarers union urges government to establish national wage structure for Kenyan maritime workers

The absence of a nationally recognised wage structure for Kenyan seafarers has come under scrutiny, with the Seafarers Union of Kenya urging the government to introduce policies and legislation aimed at improving pay and protecting the rights of maritime workers.

The union’s Secretary, Atie Ramadhan, said many Kenyan seafarers continue to earn significantly less than foreign workers carrying out identical responsibilities under similar conditions, despite international labour standards that promote fair treatment.

“The situation has persisted for years, we are calling on the Ministry of Labour to work jointly with the Seafarers Wages Council to develop a clear national salary framework that would guarantee fair compensation for Kenyan seafarers employed both within the country and overseas,” he said.

Atie said the government should categorise seafarers according to the nature of their work to ensure wage structures reflect their working environments and responsibilities.

He noted that Kenya still lacks officially recognised wage guidelines for the maritime sector, leaving many workers vulnerable to unequal pay and exploitation.

The union also appealed for its inclusion in the recruitment of seafarers, arguing that greater oversight would help curb fraudulent employment agencies and protect Kenyans seeking jobs at sea.

Atie said involving the union in the hiring process would improve accountability and ensure that recruitment is conducted transparently while safeguarding the welfare of seafarers before they secure employment.

He further urged the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) and the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy, under Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho, to simplify and speed up the process of issuing clearance certificates required by seafarers seeking employment both locally and internationally.

According to Atie, a more efficient clearance system would enable authorities and the union to keep track of Kenyan seafarers working in different parts of the world and respond more effectively whenever concerns about their welfare or working conditions arise.

Meanwhile, Kenya Maritime Authority Director General CPA Omae Nyarandi said efforts to expand employment opportunities for Kenyan seafarers were beginning to bear fruit following the signing of bilateral labour agreements with three countries to facilitate overseas placements.

Nyarandi also announced that Kenya had acceded to the Seafarers’ Identity Document (SID) Convention, paving the way for the issuance of the internationally recognised identification documents within the next three months.

He said the SID would make it easier for Kenyan seafarers to travel and secure employment in the global maritime industry.

He also confirmed that the government’s cadet sponsorship programme, which had previously been suspended, would resume in July to support the training of future maritime professionals.

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) reaffirmed its commitment to championing the interests of maritime workers.

Assistant Secretary General Caroline Ruto said the federation would continue advocating for better working conditions, stronger labour protections and improved welfare for all seafarers, while placing particular emphasis on ensuring women in the maritime sector receive adequate support and protection.

Kenya Ships Agents Association Chief Executive Officer Elijah Mbaru said the global shipping industry is facing a growing shortage of qualified seafarers, presenting Kenya with an opportunity to supply skilled personnel if investment in training is strengthened.

He observed that wages for seafarers have remained largely stagnant for about 15 years despite growth in the global economy.

He added that industry stakeholders were also reviewing work schedules, including the six-hours-on, six-hours-off system, because of concerns over its effect on workers’ wellbeing.

Citing estimates by BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping, Mbaru said the world is expected to face a shortage of approximately 114,000 seagoing officers by 2030, creating opportunities for Kenya, provided its maritime training institutions meet international standards.

According to the association, Kenya has about 19,000 registered seafarers. However, only around 6,000 are currently employed, while just 50 serve as officers.

Stakeholders say increasing access to quality maritime training, introducing standardised wages and strengthening labour protections will be essential if Kenya is to secure a larger share of employment opportunities in the global shipping industry.