Kenyan Cadets to Gain World-Class Maritime Training Under Maersk-KPA Partnership

By Anne Nyambura

Kenya’s maritime industry is set for a major boost as global shipping giant A.P. Moller – Maersk and the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) launch an ambitious maritime training programme aimed at equipping young Kenyan cadets with hands-on experience at sea.

The initiative, unveiled in Mombasa, underscores Maersk’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of seafarers while strengthening Kenya’s Blue Economy. Among those present at the launch were Mombasa Governor HE Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, representatives from the Royal Danish Embassy in Nairobi, Bandari Maritime Academy, the Shippers Council of Eastern Africa, and the Kenya Ships Agents Association.

Through this programme, 10 Kenyan cadets will receive fully funded, 12-month sea-time training aboard Maersk vessels—an essential requirement for professional seafaring careers. The opportunity addresses a long-standing challenge in the maritime sector, where many Kenyan cadets struggle to secure practical training due to a shortage of local vessels offering such experience.

“At Maersk, we are dedicated to creating lasting value beyond our commercial operations,” said Oliver Bunting, CFO & Acting Managing Director at Maersk Kenya. “These cadets represent Kenya’s maritime ambitions, and we’re backing their dreams with real-world experience on one of the world’s largest ocean networks. This isn’t just about training – it’s about transforming lives and reshaping the future of Kenya’s maritime

The initiative aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 by advancing human resource development and ensuring that Kenyan youth gain world-class industry skills. It also builds upon the strong diplomatic ties between Kenya and Denmark, reinforced by a 2021 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on maritime cooperation.

Notably, six out of the ten cadets are women, underscoring Maersk’s commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in the maritime sector.

KPA has hailed the programme as a significant step toward bolstering the country’s shipping industry.

“We, as the port operator, are delighted with this new initiative that will benefit our young seafarers and at the same time promote human capital, which is critical for the growth of Kenya’s maritime sector,” said KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto.

The cadets were chosen through a competitive selection process conducted by Maersk’s global fleet team. Their training will meet international maritime standards, enhancing their prospects for employment within Maersk and the global shipping industry.

Upon completing their training, the cadets will provide constructive feedback to their educational institutions, ensuring continuous improvement for future maritime students in Kenya.

This initiative highlights Maersk’s long-term commitment to Kenya’s maritime industry through strategic public-private partnerships focused on education and workforce development.