Tuesday, 17 June, 2025
Diaspora Affairs Committee conducts oversight tour of Kenya Maritime Authority and Bandari Maritime Academy
Mombasa CountySaturday, 14th June 2025
The Seafarer Identity Document (SID) is set to significantly ease cross-border movement, enhance port and border security, and facilitate international transit for Kenyan maritime professionals.
This was among the key insights shared with the National Assembly Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers during their visit to the Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) and the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) in Mombasa.
Led by Chairperson Hon. Lydia Haika, MP for Taita Taveta, the Committee engaged with BMA’s management team, headed by CEO Dr. Erick Lewa Katana, to assess the institution’s preparedness and safety standards in facilitating overseas labor deployment.
In discussions with the Committee, Dr. Katana emphasized the growing importance of the SID, noting that several countries currently do not recognize Kenya’s Seafarer Book, placing Kenyan seafarers at a disadvantage of accessing international job opportunities.
“The SID contains comprehensive personal data and, in many cases, eliminates the need for a visa. It complements the passport and enables seamless travel for seafarers across international borders,” said Dr. Katana.
The SID is an internationally recognized document that allows seafarers to travel without a visa when joining or leaving ships, and it also facilitates shore leave, transfer, and transit. It employs biometric technology similar to that found in electronic passports, thereby improving global maritime security.
Dr. Katana appealed to the Committee to push for the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with key maritime nations such as Liberia, Panama, the Marshall Islands, Singapore, and the Bahamas. He argued that such agreements would help prevent instances where Kenyan seafarers are denied disembarkation or access to jobs due to a lack of mutual recognition.
The Academy also shared its challenges, notably the outdated training equipment inherited from the Kenya Maritime Authority in 2018.
“We are kindly requesting additional funding beyond what was allocated in Supplementary Budget II. This support would enable us to modernize our equipment and keep pace with rapidly evolving maritime technology,” Dr. Katana urged.
In response, Committee Members advised the BMA to develop a detailed, itemized budget outlining priority areas to ensure more efficient allocation of funds and support.
At the Kenya Maritime Authority, which is mandated to regulate, coordinate, and oversee maritime affairs in Kenya, officials raised concerns over recurring complaints such as abandonment of seafarers, natural disputes (including death), wrongful dismissals, and delayed wages.
The Authority also reported ongoing negotiations with Singapore, with an MoU expected to be signed soon.
“Singapore and Malta alone account for close to 8,000 vessels. Signing an MoU with Malta could unlock vast employment opportunities for Kenyans in European maritime markets,” noted Mr. Samba.
In her closing remarks, Hon. Haika expressed satisfaction that the sector is receiving increased attention and support.
“I am pleased to learn that budgetary allocations have been approved, MoUs are in progress, and vessel registration is actively being pursued. These steps are crucial in opening up more global opportunities for our seafarers,” she said.