Lamu seafarers have a reason to smile following the signing of an agreement between the County Government of Lamu and Bandari College to sponsor the first cohort of students for marine-related training to enable them to benefit maximally from the job opportunities arising from the blue economy.

Speaking at the County Headquarters in Mokowe on Wednesday, H.E Governors Issa Timamy EGH, OGW noted that the partnership will see the first cohort of 24 young men and women undergo a 10 days training under full scholarship courtesy of the County Government of Lamu and Bandari College with trainees getting guaranteed sea time upon certification.

“Apart from paying for tuition fees, trainees shall receive a stipend from the County Government of Lamu as we remain focused on developing the needed of maritime labour for both the national and international markets” Said the Council of Governor’s Blue Economy Committee Chair.

The County Government of Lamu through the Department of Education shall also foot for the cost of trainees certificates.

Through the Department of Blue Economy, the County Government of Lamu has also reached an agreement with KMA to partner on maritime curriculum developent courses and capacity bulding for trainers which will be undertaken at Lamu Maritime and Innovation Center in Hindi ward through the assistance of Mombasa’s Bandari College. Bandari College further reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing a collaborative approach in dealing with seafarers, social partners, international transport workers federation, ship-owners, recruitment and placement agents in line with the International Labour Organization’s advocacy of tripartite consultation.

Also present was County Secretary Amb. Ali Abbas, CECM Fisheries and Blue Economy Hon. Faiz Fankupi and CECM Education Hon. Sebastian Owanga.

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