The Seafarers Union of Kenya (SUK) has raised alarm over what it describes as a worsening crisis in the maritime sector, with workers going for months without pay and others detained in foreign countries under distressing conditions.
The union’s concerns come at a time when Kenya is ramping up investment in the blue economy as a key avenue for job creation and economic empowerment for thousands of unemployed youths.
In a bid to regulate the sector, improve working conditions, protect seafarers’ rights and align local wages with international standards, the Ministry of Labour recently gazetted and inaugurated the Seafarers Wages Council.
However, despite these efforts, SUK Secretary General Atie Ramadhan says many seafarers remain trapped in poverty, facing exploitation and earning below-standard wages.
Ramadhan noted that repeated appeals to the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) to take action against rogue employers violating labour laws and international conventions have yielded little response.
She cited specific cases involving a Mongolian-flagged fishing vessel, Tijara, and the Kenyan-flagged FV Kivu Spear II, both operating in Kenyan waters, where crew members have reportedly gone for months without pay.
“We are perplexed that, as the regulator, KMA allows Kenyan seafarers to suffer in their own waters, and even foreign workers are suffering under the same conditions,” said Ramadhan at the union’s office in Mombasa.
She further highlighted another case of seafarer abandonment in Kilifi, where crew members have gone seven months without salaries after the vessel encountered an ownership dispute, leaving the crew in disarray.
The union is now urging KMA to summon vessel owners and enforce compliance with labour standards, terming the situation a national embarrassment, especially as Kenya champions maritime development and the blue economy.
SUK has further called on the Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy Hassan Joho to intervene and address the plight of affected seafarers.
“As seafarers, we are simply demanding our fundamental right to wages, as provided for under labour and international laws,” Ramadhan stated, adding that the union has issued a seven-day ultimatum to vessel owners to settle outstanding salaries or face legal action.
She also alleged that the vessels in question are managed by an agent lacking proper legal documentation, contributing to the mistreatment of workers.
“Enough is enough. We need justice for our seafarers and fishers. This cannot continue,” she said.
Dominic Makau, a second engineer on Kivu Spear II, revealed that an ownership dispute surrounding the vessel has left the crew in confusion, with workers going five months without pay after receiving wages for only one month.
Ramadhan further disclosed that nine Kenyan seafarers aboard MV Sea Mfalme have been detained by Tanzanian authorities since last month. The union is now appealing for government intervention to secure their release.
According to her, the vessel departed from Kenya before it was intercepted, carrying individuals of various nationalities, including ten women, one child and 50 men. It is being investigated for a case of human trafficking.
SUK is now calling on KMA to strengthen vessel inspections and enforce strict compliance measures. The union is also pushing for transparency in the recruitment of seafarers and inclusion of the union in the process.
“The vessel flies a Kenyan flag and began its voyage here. There should have been proper pre-departure inspections. I appeal to the government to ensure the safe return of the seafarers. If anyone is culpable, the law should take its course,” Ramadhan said.
Families of those detained have also appealed for urgent intervention. Marim Shee, whose husband, Said Juma, is among those held in Tanzania, said the prolonged detention is causing immense hardship, as the affected individuals are the primary breadwinners.
Meanwhile, SUK Youth Representative Duncan Otieno has called for closer collaboration between maritime agencies and the union to safeguard seafarers’ welfare. He also urged KMA to expand support for youth training programmes in the maritime sector.
By Sadik Hassan
