State roots for maritime workers' rights, fair pay
Business
By
Sofia Ali
| Sep 18, 2024
The government has committed to safeguarding maritime workers' rights, including fair wages.
Early this year, the government unveiled an ambitious plan to employ over 200,000 seafarers by 2027, increasing the current workforce by approximately 11,600.
However, the industry continues to face various challenges, including the well-being of maritime workers.
He emphasised the importance of greater involvement of seafarers' unions and councils in safeguarding workers' rights. "Many members remain unaware of the Seafarers Wages Council and the Seafarers Union based in Mombasa," Kaituko noted. "These organizations must take a proactive role in tackling the pressing issues facing our maritime workforce."
Representatives for seafarers, including Lameck Njora, Edwin Mwenga, and Margaret Gitau, raised concerns over workplace discrimination, financial literacy, and high unemployment rates.
READ MORE
We can bridge seed access in the face of global disruptions
CHAN rip-off: How weeks-old insurance firm pocketed Sh42 million
Families seek justice over Ishiara killings as anger mounts
KMPDU raises alarm over security and staffing at Ishiara hospital
Young learners display on stage key CBE pillars principles
IG orders recall of Ishiara OCS over Embu protest killings
Opposition leaders accuse Ruto of hiking fuel prices for personal gain
'They attacked us, we shot them,' police say after Embu protest deaths
How fuel deal fallout has triggered Sh3.2b loss for supplier
Authorities probe deaths of two protesters in Ishiara unrest
Mr Gitau highlighted that many seafarers face challenges related to extended periods away from home, complicating their financial management, while Mr Njora noted that some seafarers entrust their earnings to relatives or attempt to invest in local businesses, only to find these investments failed upon their return, leading to distress and, in some cases, depression. To combat these financial issues, institutions like HFC are developing tailored financial products aimed at promoting saving and investment among seafarers. "We want to foster a culture of savings and investment," said PS Kaituko. "With appropriate financial guidance, seafarers can significantly benefit from their earnings."