Kenya will launch an internationally recognised Seafarer Identification Document (SID) within the next three months, Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services Belio Kipsang has announced.

The SID will serve as both an identification and travel document for Kenyan seafarers, enabling them to work seamlessly across international borders.

Global standards and compliance

Speaking during a meeting with the Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Committee at Bunge Towers, chaired by Lydia Haika of Taita Taveta, PS Kipsang said the document will meet stringent requirements set by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Unlike the National ID, which is primarily for local use, the SID must adhere to strict global standards on security and functionality.

A sample SID card has already been submitted to the ILO for review. “The ILO has provided feedback, which we are incorporating into a revised sample card. The updated version will include actual data embedded in both the chip and QR code before resubmission for final review,” he explained.

Biometric enrollment

To facilitate issuance, the State Department for Immigration has procured live capture units for biometric enrollment. These units will be integrated with the Kenya Maritime Authority’s (KMA) business systems, enabling real-time transmission of enrollment data to the National Registration Bureau (NRB). The setup is designed to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and security during the registration process.

Committee members questioned the feasibility of the three-month rollout timeline. In response, PS Kipsang outlined the remaining steps, including completing the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) audit and securing ICAO certification. The government must also procure servers and network systems to host the seafarers’ database at both KMA and NRB.

PS Kipsang assured lawmakers of the government’s commitment to delivering the SID within the promised timeframe. “We are working closely with ICAO, and the department understands the importance of this document. Within the next three months, it will be ready,” he said.

The SID is expected to significantly improve the mobility and employability of Kenyan seafarers, opening new opportunities in the global maritime industry. It will also strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness as a source of skilled maritime labor, bolstering the country’s blue economy agenda.

The committee welcomed the progress and urged the State Department to adhere to the schedule, emphasizing that timely delivery of the SID could be a game changer for thousands of Kenyan seafarers seeking jobs abroad.