By Mwanaharusi Jilo

Mombasa, 09/28/2023 

The Mombasa Youth Dialogue on Maritime and Shipping, held at the prestigious Bandari Maritime Academy, shed light on the immense potential of the blue economy and offered hope to Kenyan graduates grappling with widespread unemployment. 

The event's chief guest, PS Shadrack Mwadime of the State Department of Maritime and Shipping, emphasized the numerous opportunities available in the maritime sector and encouraged graduates of all disciplines to explore career prospects within this industry.

Addressing the many youths present, PS Mwadime expressed his optimism about the blue economy, stating, "The potential in the blue economy is very massive." He highlighted the untapped wealth of opportunities within the maritime sector, including shipping, finance, and actuarial science.

One of the central issues addressed during the dialogue was the high level of unemployment among Kenyan graduates across various fields. Many find themselves struggling to secure meaningful employment despite their qualifications. 

PS Mwadime offered a promising solution, stating, "Graduates of various fields or disciplines can be absorbed, whether in finance, actuarial science, or other areas, as long as they undertake the Standard Development Certification Workshop (SDCW). They can then be absorbed into various roles within the shipping industry."

PS Mwadime emphasized that there are no exceptions when it comes to job opportunities in the maritime sector. This statement served to debunk any misconceptions and myths about career limitations within the industry. He encouraged the youth to consider a career path in the blue sector, where opportunities are vast and diverse.

Furthermore, PS Mwadime unveiled the State Department of Maritime and Shipping's interest in partnering with the National Youth Development Fund. The goal is to provide youth with loans and capital to enable them to harness the opportunities within the blue economy and become self-employed. This initiative aims to support young entrepreneurs in developing businesses and ventures related to maritime and shipping, fostering economic growth and job creation.

The Mombasa Youth Dialogue on Maritime and Shipping at the Bandari Maritime Academy has thus emerged as a beacon of hope for Kenya's unemployed youth. The event showcased the immense potential of the blue economy while reaffirming the government's commitment to providing opportunities for all, regardless of their academic background. As the maritime sector continues to expand, it offers a promising pathway for Kenyan graduates to chart a successful career and contribute to the nation's economic development.