The Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers has stepped up engagement with the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), pushing for expanded employment opportunities for Kenyan youth in the global cruise ship industry amid ongoing recruitment and policy challenges.

According to a statement by the Parliament of Kenya on April 29, 2026, the committee held discussions with MSC management at the Kenya Ports Authority offices in Mombasa, focusing on how to increase access to seafaring and hospitality jobs while addressing structural bottlenecks affecting recruitment.

Kenya Ports Authority General Manager for Cargo Operations, Dr Sudi Mwasinago, said MSC’s continued presence in Mombasa reflects Kenya’s rising profile in the global maritime labour market.

Available job departments

MSC Crewing Manager, Emma Nkirote, told the committee that job opportunities are available in three main departments: Deck, which requires nautical training; Engine, which requires marine engineering qualifications; and Hotel operations, which require at least two years’ experience in four- or five-star hospitality settings.

She outlined the benefits of cruise ship employment, including international exposure, skills development in global hospitality standards, improved competitiveness of Kenya’s maritime workforce, and increased foreign exchange inflows.

However, the committee was also informed of persistent recruitment challenges, including delays in issuance of Seafarers Identification Documents (SID), late scheduling of US C1/D visas, high medical examination costs, cases of forged academic certificates, and instances of Kenyan crew deserting while abroad.

Partnership with relevant authorities

Committee Chairperson Lydia Haika said Parliament is actively engaging relevant government agencies to resolve documentation delays, particularly the SID process.

“We have had extensive engagements on the issue of SID, including with the relevant cabinet secretaries. It is a matter we are keen to resolve,” she said.

Mishi Mboko questioned whether MSC is working with public institutions to widen access to job opportunities beyond social media platforms. She also raised concerns over desertion cases, proposing stricter contractual measures to deter the vice and seeking data on its frequency.

“What policy interventions can we, as a Committee, support to address this challenge?” she posed.

MP Zamzam Mohamed raised concerns over the adequacy of local Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) programmes, saying they may not fully align with industry demands.

She proposed structured partnerships between cruise lines, government agencies, and training institutions to enhance internships and skills alignment.

In response, MSC Kenya Managing Director Capt. Fiorenzo Castellano said the company has established a dedicated 10-member team in Kenya focused solely on recruitment. He noted that MSC has conducted outreach campaigns in Malindi, Diani, Voi, and Nairobi, and is engaging government agencies to strengthen collaboration.

He added that social media remains their primary recruitment tool due to its reach among young job seekers, while the company continues to work with the Kenya Maritime Authority to address sector challenges affecting recruitment and compliance