This archive report was first published on 4 November 2021.
Published on November 4, 2021, a new survey by Women in Maritime Sector Eastern and Southern Africa (Womesa) revealed that women comprise only two percent of cadres employed as cadets, officers, and captains in the shipping industry.
According to Betty Makena, a ship inspector, only three female cadets work as deck operators, while one works as a ship engine operator. The data from Womesa indicates that at least 76 female cadets in Kenya are yet to secure jobs.
Womesa has begun a campaign to urge shipping lines to employ more women cadets. The organization aims to increase the number of women in the industry, which is currently dominated by men.
Bandari Maritime College CEO Francis Muraya stated that there are at least 1,000 well-paying jobs at sea. One of the three women cadets who works as a bell girl earns a salary of Sh100,000.
The college has partnered with different employers in the maritime sector, allowing students to work and earn money for fees. The college has also invited international shipping lines to the December graduation ceremony to recruit graduating cadets.
Seafarers Union Secretary-General Stephen Okwiri emphasized the need for a standardized and improved remuneration package for all seafarers. He stated that most student cadets go to work at sea without knowing their wages and end up earning meager wages.
Hakim Majid, a student pursuing a certificate in craft maritime, expressed gratitude to KUCCPS for enabling him to pursue the course. His family was excited about the opportunity, and his grandmother even slaughtered a chicken to celebrate his enrollment.
