In a significant milestone for Kenya’s maritime sector,Labour and skills Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime has today officiated the induction of the Seafarers’ Wages Council, a pivotal body established to ensure fair wages and prevent exploitation of Kenyan seafarers.
Speaking at the event, PS Mwadime emphasised the long journey towards formalising the Seafarers’ Wages Council, a process he has been actively involved in since his tenure as Principal Secretary for Maritime.
“The formalisation of the Seafarers’ Wages Council has been a journey I’ve been deeply involved in, starting during my tenure as Principal Secretary for Maritime,” he stated.
He further highlighted the critical need to address the unique challenges faced by seafarers and acknowledged the extensive groundwork laid to establish the council.
The PS reiterated his commitment to seeing the vision through to completion, recognising the collaborative efforts with outgoing Principal Secretary for Maritime and Blue Economy, Geoffrey Kaituko.
The event marked a testament to their dedication in ensuring better working conditions for seafarers.
The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, a key international maritime labour law, sets out fundamental rights for seafarers, including fair wages, reasonable working hours, health and safety protections, and social security.
PS Mwadime underscored the importance of its implementation in Kenya, stating, “This Convention represents a cornerstone of international maritime labour law, and your work in ensuring its full implementation in Kenya is of paramount importance.”
He urged council members to dedicate their efforts to upholding the protections afforded by this vital international standard.
To effectively discharge their roles, PS Mwadime advised the council to adopt best practices from successful maritime nations and continuously engage in capacity-building initiatives.
“To discharge these roles, the Council should strive to carry out comparative learning in other successful countries and engage in continuous capacity building, which is paramount in providing a forum for members to discuss, consult, and make crucial decisions while equipping them with adequate governance skills,” he concluded.
The formation of the Seafarers’ Wages Council marks a significant step in safeguarding the rights and welfare of Kenyan seafarers, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to international maritime labour standards.
