The Government is committed to strengthening trade unions in the maritime and blue economy sectors through regular stakeholder engagements to safeguard the interests of workers at all levels, Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has said.
The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged the role played by trade unions, saying unions are an important cog in promoting the welfare of workers across sectors.
“We appreciate the role played by trade unions in securing the rights, equality and justice for workers,” Cabinet Secretary Mvurya said.
The CS spoke during a meeting with a delegation from International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) which paid him a courtesy call at his office in Nairobi. The delegation was led by ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton.
The Cabinet Secretary took the opportunity to highlight the strides the government has made in of strengthening trade unions affairs in the maritime and blue economy sector.
The CS disclosed that his ministry is keen on upgrading Maritime Courses to global standards while subsiding the learning fees as it seeks to encourage more youths across the country to pursue the courses with ease at the Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa.
He also briefed the delegation on the progress made in the construction of the Maritime Logistics Center in Kwale County, saying once completed the centre will provide the requisite training for all those interested in pursuing courses maritime affairs.
While underscoring the need to upscale the uptake as well as synergy between the government and the unions, CS Mvurya called on the ITF to be proactive in domesticating legislation that will ensure the effective management of maritime affairs across the country. The move, he said, would address the underlying issues while promoting the increase of young people joining the profession.
On his part, the ITF General Secretary lauded the government’s efforts in revitalizing the blue space, pledging to stir up investment conversations in the shipping and logistics sector across the over 16.5 million transport workers they represent in the industry globally.
The General Secretary was accompanied by ITF Regional Secretaries Mohammed Safiyanu (Africa) and Bilal Malkawi (Arab world), National Coordination of Kenya Chairperson Sava Mundu, Dock Workers Union Board Member Edwin Wesonga and Seafarers Union General Secretary Atie Swaleh.
The federation, that connects over 700 affiliated trade unions from 150 countries, has been recognized as the world’s leading transport authority that has significantly secured the rights, equality and justice for over 16.5 million transport workers globally.
