In a significant development for Kenya’s maritime sector, Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs Geoffrey Kaituko has announced that Wilhelmsen Ship Management, a leading Norwegian shipping company, is set to establish a presence in the country. This move comes after a meeting between Kaituko, Lasse K. Hansen, the Global Head of Marine HR, and Craig De Savoye, the Acting General Manager for Africa (Marine Personnel) at Wilhelmsen, alongside Amb. Nancy Karigithu, Special Envoy & Advisor on Maritime & Blue Economy at the Executive Office of the President.
Wilhelmsen Ship Management is renowned globally as one of the top recruiters of seafarers. The company has a reputation for upholding the highest standards of competence, quality, and governance, making this partnership a major opportunity for Kenya’s growing maritime sector. Through this collaboration, Kenyan cadets and seafarers will gain access to world-class training and recruitment into the global maritime labor market.
“We are excited about the commitment shown by Wilhelmsen to establish a presence in Kenya,” said Kaituko. “This partnership will not only enhance our national brand but will also create new opportunities for our local maritime workforce to be trained and recruited on an international scale.”
Wilhelmsen’s involvement will help elevate Kenya’s maritime industry standards, promoting the country as a key player in the global maritime labor market. This move is expected to open doors for more Kenyan seafarers to secure positions in top global shipping companies.
With the maritime sector becoming an increasingly vital part of Kenya’s economy, this development marks a key step toward expanding its global reach and further strengthening the nation's role in the Blue Economy.
This new collaboration highlights Kenya’s growing prominence in the global maritime industry and its commitment to nurturing skilled labor for international markets.