In a significant development for Kenya’s maritime sector, Wilhelmsen Ship Management, a global leader in marine services, has announced plans to establish a presence in the country. Geoffrey Kaituko, Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, met with key officials from the company on Friday to discuss the potential impact of this move.
During the meeting, Kaituko was joined by Lasse K. Hansen, Global Head of Marine HR, and Craig De Savoye, Acting General Manager for Africa (Marine Personnel), along with Ambassador Nancy Karigithu, Special Envoy & Advisor on Maritime & Blue Economy at the Executive Office of the President. The discussions highlighted Wilhelmsen’s commitment to investing in Kenya’s growing maritime industry.
Amb. Karigithu praised the company’s decision, stating that it aligns with Kenya’s ambition to become a leading maritime hub in Africa. The establishment of Wilhelmsen’s presence in the country is expected to open up new opportunities for world-class training programs and recruitment for Kenyan cadets and seafarers.
"This partnership will not only enhance the local talent pool but also provide Kenyan youths with a chance to join the global maritime labor market," Kaituko remarked. "We look forward to collaborating with Wilhelmsen to ensure the success of this initiative."
The move comes at a time when Kenya is actively expanding its maritime infrastructure, positioning itself as a critical player in the global shipping industry. With the support of international companies like Wilhelmsen, Kenya is poised to offer high-quality training and employment prospects for its growing maritime workforce.