Kenya is accelerating its push into the global maritime economy following high-level talks in Oslo, Norway, where President William Ruto held discussions with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association and leading shipping firms on expanded cooperation in the blue economy.
The talks focused on strengthening investment, skills transfer, technology exchange and job creation in Kenya’s maritime sector, with a particular emphasis on integrating Kenyan professionals into established global shipping networks.
According to President Ruto, the partnership will open new pathways for Kenyan seafarers to access employment opportunities in Norwegian shipping companies, as part of a broader strategy to build a competitive maritime workforce.
“We are advancing Kenya’s maritime and blue economy agenda through cooperation with Norway, exploring opportunities for investment, knowledge exchange, skills development, technology transfer and job creation across the maritime economy,” Ruto stated.
The engagement also explored the expansion of shipping routes linking Kenya’s ports of Mombasa and Lamu with Norwegian ports, a move expected to strengthen trade flows and improve supply chain resilience between East Africa and Northern Europe.
Both sides also discussed the development of green trade corridors aimed at reducing emissions in maritime transport, as global pressure mounts for cleaner shipping practices.
President Ruto noted that cooperation would extend into fisheries development, ocean sustainability and decarbonisation efforts, aligning Kenya’s blue economy ambitions with global climate goals.
“We are also exploring new shipping routes to boost trade, strengthen supply chain resilience, enhance connectivity between the ports of Mombasa and Lamu and Norwegian ports, and expand our shipbuilding capacity,” he added.
A key outcome of the discussions was a commitment by Wilhelmsen Ship Management and other Norwegian maritime firms to employ 1,000 Kenyan seafarers by 2030.
Of these, 120 are expected to be recruited before the end of this year, marking an early step in the implementation of the agreement.
The deal is expected to boost Kenya’s growing blue economy strategy, which targets shipping, fisheries, offshore services and port development as key drivers of economic growth and youth employment.