KENYA MARITIME DIALOGUE - 2025
The Kenya Maritime Dialogue (formerly Mombasa Youth Dialogue on Maritime and Shipping Affairs) is a growing national platform that brings together maritime stakeholders, policymakers, academia, and young people to chart a future for Kenya’s maritime and shipping industry. The initiative was first launched in 2023 by Blue Radio Kenya in collaboration with the State Department for Maritime and Shipping Affairs, then under the leadership of Hon. PS Shadrack Mwadime.
Motivated by a shared urgency to meaningfully involve young people in Kenya’s blue economy conversation, the inaugural edition in 2023 attracted over 750 participants, including youth, government institutions, shipping companies, port authorities, and industry regulators. Themed "Unlocking Youth Potential in Maritime and Shipping for a Sustainable Blue Economy," the 2023 event aimed to address the disconnect between maritime training and job opportunities, raise awareness about maritime careers, and amplify the voice of youth in shaping Kenya’s maritime future.
Following this successful launch, the 2024 edition, held under the guidance of Hon.PS Geoffrey Kaituko, scaled up both in scope and attendance, gathering over 1,500 delegates from across the maritime and shipping ecosystem. With the theme "Climate Change and Maritime Jobs: Building Resilience for a Sustainable Future," the dialogue spotlighted the growing vulnerabilities of coastal and maritime sectors due to climate change and how policy, innovation, and inclusive job creation could provide solutions.The event featured distinguished speakers such as the Ambassador of Belgium to Kenya, representatives from KMA, BMA, MTCC, KCB BANK,Technoserve, Beihub, Express Shipping, WOMESA, Media Council of Kenya, and many others.
Now in its third year, the dialogue is rebranding to Kenya Maritime Dialogue, marking its transformation from a regional conversation to a national platform. This rebrand reflects a growing realization: the opportunities in Kenya’s maritime and shipping sector go far beyond Mombasa—they span coastal and inland waters, ports, logistics corridors, training institutions, and national policy hubs. The event now seeks to speak to and represent every Kenyan engaged or aspiring to work in the blue economy space.
With the leadership of the newly appointed Principal Secretary for Maritime and Shipping Affairs, Hon. Aden Millah, and in partnership with the Blue Economy Innovation & Investment Summit by Sote Hub, the 2025 edition is set to be a transformative milestone in Kenya’s maritime journey