Kenya’s youth positioned to lead maritime decarbonization

As Kenya continues to advance its renewable energy capabilities, there are great opportunities for young people to become leaders in the global push for maritime decarbonization, positioning them as key drivers of innovation and sustainability in the industry. With nearly 90% of Kenya’s electricity coming from renewable sources, the potential to integrate these innovations into the maritime sector is clear. Against this backdrop, a youth dialogue held last week in Mombasa sought to inspire young Kenyans to pursue careers in the area of maritime decarbonization and contribute towards increasing diversity in the industry.

Organized by the Kenya Maritime Authority, IMO’s GreenVoyage2050, MTCC Africa, and International PtX Hub, the dialogue attracted over 75 young Kenyan participants. The discussions focused on developing career pathways, overcoming barriers to entry, and exploring Kenya’s potential to lead in sustainable shipping. A key element of the dialogue was exploring how Kenya’s strong renewable energy infrastructure could serve as a catalyst for growth in maritime decarbonization, offering a range of career opportunities for young professionals.

“The maritime industry is evolving rapidly, and Kenya is uniquely positioned to be a leader, not just in renewable energy but also in driving maritime decarbonization,” said Lydia Ngugi, Head of MTCC Africa. “This dialogue is vital for engaging our youth in this transformation, especially women, who have historically been underrepresented in the sector. We need their skills and fresh perspectives to help shape a greener future and achieve UN SDG 5 on gender equality.”

Breaking Barriers to Entry

Participants engaged in discussions about the various barriers that prevent young people, particularly women, from entering the maritime industry. Among the key obstacles identified were cultural beliefs discouraging women from pursuing maritime careers, the pay gap between men and women, and a lack of visible female role models in the sector. Harsh working conditions at sea and limited mentorship opportunities were also flagged as significant barriers.

To address these challenges, participants suggested several initiatives, including targeted scholarship programmes for women, improved access to mentorship and networking platforms, and more visibility of maritime careers in schools and universities. Public outreach initiatives, such as taking students to ports and shipping facilities, were highlighted as a way to demystify the industry and make it more attractive to young people. A focus on the importance of ensuring sea-time opportunities was also emphasized, as many aspiring mariners face difficulties in securing the sea-time needed to complete their training.

Diverse Career Opportunities

The dialogue highlighted the diverse career opportunities available in the maritime sector, particularly in the field of decarbonization. Participants explored roles such as maritime cybersecurity, environmental engineering, procurement, marine surveying, and even interior design for sustainable shipbuilding. The discussion stressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging young people from various fields – including economics, law, and STEM subjects – to consider maritime as a viable and exciting career path. By engaging young talent and promoting inclusivity, Kenya is positioning itself to be at the forefront of the global transition to greener shipping.

This youth dialogue is part of a series of ongoing efforts by the GreenVoyage2050 Programme to raise awareness about career opportunities in maritime decarbonization and increase diversity within the sector.