Nyali MP Mohammed Ali has launched a scathing attack on the Ministry of Blue Economy, accusing it of failing to deliver on key promises to Kenya’s seafarers and youth in the maritime industry.
In a detailed statement on X, Ali claimed the ministry, led by former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, is “drowning in incompetence” and neglecting the sector’s vast potential.
Ali pointed out that seven years after the Global Conference on Sustainable Blue Economy was held in Nairobi, little has been achieved to empower Kenyan seafarers.
He said that despite an agreement to recruit 2,500 seafarers annually for training and job placements, most remain unemployed, while those who secure opportunities struggle to get immediate placements.
“The lack of realization of the Blue Economy Conference vision has meant many seafarers remain unemployed to date, and the few that get recruitment have found it difficult to get immediate placement,” Ali stated.
The MP also criticized delays in issuing Seafarers Identification Documents (SIDs), which he said were promised by the government in 2023. He noted that the delay has cost Kenyans thousands of opportunities abroad.
“About 10,000 well-paying jobs that could have been accessed have been lost because of lack of SIDs,” he said.
Ali further faulted the National Employment Authority (NEA) for what he termed “onerous requirements” that discourage recruitment.
He said the Ksh 1.5 million fee imposed on recruitment agents has forced major ship owners to look for workers elsewhere, denying Kenyan youth vital opportunities.
“For the youth along the Coast and Kenya in general, the hopes they once held for career progression in the maritime industry have begun to fade,” Ali lamented, questioning who the youth should turn to for solutions.
The Blue Economy Ministry, established to harness Kenya’s maritime resources, has faced increasing scrutiny from coastal leaders over its performance.
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