NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 15 – The Cabinet has approved the revival of the Kenya National Shipping Line as a mechanism for growing the Blue Economy.
The revival of the shipping line is expected to create 10,000 jobs in the Coast region and save Kenya Sh300 billion annually, money that normally goes to other shipping lines.
It will also integrate the Lamu Port, South Sudan, Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, Kilindini Harbour and the Northern Corridor to ease the transportation of cargo.
In addition to direct shipping business, the Shipping Line also offers services to special cargo or chartered vessels docking in Mombasa from anywhere in the world.
The recovery strategy proposed among other things, giving the company the sole mandate to handle cargo. To support the Blue Economy sector, Bandari College will be upgraded by building its capacity to change it into an academy and a centre of excellence to train the people that will work in the shipping line.
Cabinet has also granted approval for Kenya to host the Global Sustainable Blue Economy Conference (SBEC) which is scheduled to take place in Nairobi from 26th to 28th November, 2018.
The Conference will bring together over 4000 participants to discuss issues pertaining to a blue economy strategy that promotes people Centered Sustainable Investments in the Sector.