Kenya, Norway Deepen Blue Economy Cooperation as Ruto Secures Seafarer Jobs Deal

President William Samoei Ruto has intensified Kenya’s maritime and blue economy agenda following high-level talks with Norwegian maritime stakeholders aimed at boosting investment, skills development and job creation in the sector.

In a statement, President Ruto said Kenya is expanding cooperation with Norway through partnerships focused on knowledge exchange, technology transfer and the development of maritime skills, particularly for Kenyan seafarers seeking opportunities with established Norwegian shipping firms.

The discussions, held in Oslo with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, also explored ways to strengthen maritime trade routes between Kenya and Norway, including enhanced connectivity between the ports of Mombasa and Lamu and key Norwegian ports.

According to the President, the talks further centred on expanding shipping capacity, improving supply chain resilience, and opening new trade routes to support international commerce and economic integration.

A key outcome of the engagement was a commitment by Wilhelmsen Ship Management and other Norwegian shipping companies to employ 1,000 Kenyan seafarers by 2030, with 120 expected to be recruited by the end of this year.

The two sides also discussed broader cooperation in fisheries, green shipping, ocean sustainability and decarbonisation, including the development of green trade corridors to support the global energy transition.

Ruto noted that the partnership reflects Kenya’s growing ambition to position itself as a regional maritime hub while creating employment opportunities for its young workforce in the expanding global blue economy.