President William Ruto has revealed that Kenya is deepening cooperation with Norway to unlock opportunities in the maritime sector.

In a statement on his X account on Tuesday, June 8, 2026, Ruto said the partnership is aimed at advancing Kenya’s maritime and blue economy agenda while creating jobs and expanding trade opportunities.

The opportunities include investment, technology transfer, skills development and employment for Kenyan seafarers.

The president said Kenya and Norway are exploring areas of collaboration across the maritime economy, including knowledge exchange and investment in shipping and related industries.

“We are advancing Kenya’s maritime and blue economy agenda through cooperation with Norway, exploring opportunities for investment, knowledge exchange, skills development, technology transfer and job creation across the maritime economy,” Ruto said.

New shipping route

According to Ruto, the two countries are examining the possibility of opening new shipping routes to enhance trade and strengthen supply chain resilience between Kenya and Norway.

He said the proposed cooperation will also seek to improve connectivity between the ports of Mombasa and Lamu and Norwegian ports while supporting efforts to expand Kenya’s shipbuilding capacity.

Ruto said discussions further centred on opportunities in the blue economy and fisheries sector, as well as collaboration on green shipping, ocean sustainability and decarbonisation.

President Ruto noted that Kenya and Norway are considering the development of green trade corridors aimed at supporting trade, skills development and the transition to cleaner energy within the maritime sector.

“We are also exploring new shipping routes to boost trade, strengthen supply chain resilience, enhance connectivity between the ports of Mombasa and Lamu and Norwegian ports, and expand our shipbuilding capacity,” Ruto stated.

Ruto further welcomed a commitment by Wilhelmsen Ship Management and other Norwegian shipping companies to employ 1,000 Kenyan seafarers by 2030.

Under the arrangement, 120 Kenyan seafarers are expected to secure jobs with the companies by the end of this year.

“We also welcome the commitment by Wilhelmsen Ship Management and other Norwegian shipping companies to employ 1,000 Kenyan seafarers by 2030, including 120 by the end of this year,” Ruto said.

The president said the initiative will help create employment opportunities for young Kenyans while enhancing the country’s presence in the global maritime workforce.