By Allan Kai

The first-ever Mombasa Youth Dialogue on Maritime and Shipping is scheduled to take place on September 28th at the Bandari Maritime Academy. This event, hosted by Blue Radio - an online radio station under Gilitics Media Limited, aims to bridge the information and skills gap between the youth and the vast opportunities within the maritime and shipping industry.

The Mombasa Youth Dialogue on Maritime and Shipping provides a platform for young people in Mombasa to engage with industry stakeholders and learn about the opportunities available in the blue economy sector. This dialogue will not only shape the future of the participating youth but also contribute to Kenya's overall economic growth.

“We realized that young people have an interest in venturing into the Blue Economy space, especially the Maritime and Shipping industry, but they do not have the necessary information to help them navigate the system. This event is meant to give them a platform to interact with people within the industry who can give them clear direction on how they can approach their entry into the Maritime and Shipping space,” said Johnson Mwangangi, CEO of Gilitics Media Ltd.

With Kenya's current regime's heightened focus on the blue economy, Gilbert Were, the CEO of Blue Radio, emphasized the need to shed light on the untapped opportunities within maritime and shipping. Were believes that this dialogue will bridge the information and skills gap, equipping the youth with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive in this flourishing sector.

"The many opportunities within the blue economy have eluded the youth in Kenya for a long time. With the current regime, we have seen an emphasis on highlighting the blue economy, and in helping to shed light on these opportunities, the Mombasa Youth Dialogue on Maritime and Shipping will bridge the information gap and the skills gap between the youth and the opportunities within the maritime and shipping industry." – Were.

The event promises to be a convergence of key stakeholders, including institutions of learning, the banking and financial sector, the Kenya Maritime Authority, the Kenya Ports Authority, the clearing and forwarding sector, logistics, and many more. Collaborations between these diverse entities will offer attendees a comprehensive understanding of the blue economy and how various sectors intersect in this dynamic landscape.

Permanent Secretary from the State Department on Maritime and Shipping, Shadrack Mwadime, will be the guest of honor. His presence underscores the government's dedication to supporting and empowering the youth in capitalizing on blue economy opportunities. Mwadime's invaluable insights will inspire and motivate the attendees to pursue their dreams in this thriving sector.

The first-ever Mombasa Youth Dialogue on Maritime and Shipping marks a transformative milestone in Kenya's blue economy trajectory. By bringing together youth, industry stakeholders, and esteemed guests, the event aspires to bridge the information and skills gap, positioning the youth to harness the vast potential of the maritime and shipping industry.

With the support of key organizations and the government's dedicated focus, the youth of Mombasa are poised to shape Kenya's blue economy and secure a prosperous future.