The state undertakes to strengthen trade unions in the maritime and blue economy sectors

The government is committed to strengthening trade unions in the maritime and blue economy sectors through regular meetings with stakeholders to protect the interests of workers at all levels, said Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Salim Mvurya.

The Cabinet Secretary praised the role played by trade unions, saying they were an important tool in promoting the welfare of workers across all sectors.

“We appreciate the role that trade unions play in ensuring workers’ rights, equality and justice,” said Cabinet Secretary Mvurya.

CS was speaking at a meeting with a delegation from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) which paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Nairobi. The delegation was led by ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton.

The Cabinet Secretary used the opportunity to highlight the progress the Government has made in strengthening trade unions in the maritime and blue economy sectors.

The CS revealed that his ministry is keen to raise the level of maritime courses to global standards while also subsidising tuition fees in a bid to encourage more youths across the country to easily pursue courses at the Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa.

He also briefed the delegation on the progress of the construction of the Maritime Logistics Centre in Kwale County, adding that once completed, the centre would provide necessary training to all those interested in pursuing studies in the maritime field.

Stressing the need for increased take-up as well as synergy between the government and trade unions, CS Mvurya urged the ITF to be proactive in domesticating legislation that will ensure effective management of maritime affairs across the country. He said the move will address the underlying issues while promoting an increase in the number of youngsters joining the profession.

The ITF Secretary General, for his part, praised the government’s efforts to revitalize the shipping and logistics sector, pledging to engage in talks on investment in the shipping and logistics sector among the more than 16.5 million shipping workers worldwide whom the sector represents.

The Secretary General was accompanied by ITF Regional Secretaries Mohammed Safiyanu (Africa) and Bilal Malkawi (Arab World), Kenya National Coordination Chairman Sava Mundu, Port Workers Union Board Member Edwin Wesonga and Seafarers Union Secretary General Atie Swaleh.

The federation, which brings together more than 700 affiliated unions from 150 countries, is recognised as the leading global transport institution, having significantly secured rights, equality and justice for more than 16.5 million transport workers worldwide.