By Shirley Wandera
Mombasa, 09/28/2023
Blue Radio, in collaboration with key stakeholders from the maritime industry, marked a significant milestone by hosting the first-ever Mombasa Youth Dialogue on Shipping and Maritime Affairs. The event, held at the prestigious Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa, brought together a diverse group of industry experts and luminaries, including PS Shipping and Maritime, Shadrack Mwadime, Director General and Chairman of Kenya Maritime Authority John Oming'o, and KMA Chairman, Hamisi Mwaguya.
In his address at the event, PS Shadrack Mwadime underscored the importance of harnessing the abundant resources available within the county. He stated, "Our resource base is vast, and we can harness it, utilize it, and produce goods and services that benefit not only our nation but the entire continent."
Recognizing the fast-paced and highly competitive global environment, the PS applauded the youth as the frontliners in unlocking job opportunities. He commended their dedication and performance, saying, "Our youth are truly exceptional. We receive testimonies from ship owners who engage our youth in various assignments. When they undertake these tasks, they do so with utmost dedication and competence, often surpassing their counterparts from other continents."
Encouraging the youth to explore job opportunities beyond the maritime sector, PS Mwadime emphasized the potential of the "blue space" for onshore employment opportunities. He stated, "There is a multitude of opportunities within our blue space beyond shipping. We are actively exploring onshore jobs to create additional employment opportunities for our youth."
Furthermore, the PS highlighted that educational institutes have introduced crash courses in marine engineering to inspire and prepare young individuals for careers in the maritime sector. This initiative aims to address the job-seeking challenges faced by engineering graduates upon completing their university studies.
The inaugural Mombasa Youth Dialogue on Shipping and Maritime Affairs catalyzes igniting passion and awareness about the blue economy among the youth. It provides a platform for collaborative discussions, mentorship, and exploration of diverse career prospects within the maritime industry. With support from industry leaders and stakeholders, the event is poised to inspire a new generation of maritime professionals and entrepreneurs, contributing to Kenya's growth in the maritime sector and beyond.
