PSC keen to facilitate conducive HR policies for blue economy jobs
PSC Chairman Amb Anthony Muchiri addressing blue economy stakeholders in Mombasa
Public Service Commission chairperson Amb. Anthony Muchiri has assured stakeholders in the shipping and maritime sector of the Commission’s support to facilitate creation of new job opportunities in the blue economy for the youth.
Speaking during a sensitization workshop for the Commission, Amb. Muchiri noted that the blue economy requires financial capital, skilled human resources and increased synergy between government agencies and other stakeholders to fully exploit its potential.
Amb Muchiri expressed regret that the blue economy sector is largely underexploited despite its huge potential to boost the national economy by harnessing its vast resources, adding that it can contribute 10% of the Gross Domestic Product, support a workforce of more than 200,000 people and generate over Ksh 400 billion every year.
“The blue economy train is unstoppable and requires an entire ministry to balance the green and blue,” said Mr Muchiri reiterating that the Commission will do all in its power to ensure the sector thrives by providing an enabling policy environment and skilled human resources.
The sensitization workshop was held at Prideinn Beach Resort in Mombasa on 5th to 9th June and hosted by the state department for shipping and maritime in conjunction with Bandari Maritime Academy to create awareness on the blue economy and the maritime sector. Among the topics covered were opportunities in the blue economy, role of maritime institutions in the development of the blue economy and fisheries development in Kenya.
The Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Amb. Nancy Karigithu observed that Kenya is a maritime nation since time immemorial and that the blue economy is key to international trade and job opportunities for the Kenyan youth. She expressed the need for the government to continue supporting young people to undertake studies in the maritime sector to enable them work at home and abroad.
The PS urged the commission to assist the sector through human resource and institutional capacity building as well as technical collaboration and partnerships. Noting that training and maritime education will help develop skills for not only the local market but also international, Amb. Karigithu urged PSC to review human resource policies and come up with those that can support the growth of the sector as the new frontier for jobs for the youth.
“Policies infused with blue economy knowledge are needed especially on training and staff retention for the sector to thrive,” said Amb. Karigithu.
Amb Muchiri and PSC commissioners also visited Bandari Maritime Academy and the Kenya Navy Shipyard to gain first hand experience of the operational environment, challenges and staffing needs of the institutions.