KCB Foundation and Kenya Maritime Authority have today flagged off 400 youth seafarers who are set to commence their studies in the maritime industry.
The support is worth Kshs. 5.25 million with an additional Kshs. 14 million committed for 2023. The funds will be channelled through KCB Foundation under the 2Jiajiri programme and will go towards offsetting the onboarding and training costs for the beneficiaries.
Speaking during the flag-off event at Bandari Maritime College in Mombasa County, the Head of KCB Foundation, Caroline Wanjeri underscored KCB’s continued efforts in supporting the youth in the country by equipping them with relevant technical skills to enable them to take advantage of various opportunities in the job market.
“We have a large pool of untapped labour within the Coast region. Our goal, therefore, is to unlock access to seafarer jobs in the international maritime fleet, for our youth and provide bridge finance through joint efforts with KMA and KCB Foundation. We are therefore excited about the prospects of providing opportunities to the young people within this area,” she added
The event was presided over by the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya Rigathi Gachagua who reiterated the government’s support in supporting the private sector to give opportunities to young people.
“Kenya as a country is well endowed with energetic young people who are hungry for opportunities. What the government is doing is mobilizing support across various sectors to ensure that they benefit from the vast opportunities within our economy. I am therefore delighted to see partners like KCB Foundation who have always come on board to assist us to achieve our youth agenda,” Gachagua said.
The KCB bank loan which will be repaid in 9 months will cater for medical examinations and vaccinations, visa application fees, seafarer’s Book (seafarer’s passport), English test, seafarer’s union application, and Certificate of Good Conduct for all the beneficiaries.
