Kenya’s maritime sector is experiencing a transformative era of growth and resilience, anchored by the Port of Mombasa, which handled a remarkable 41.1 million tonnes of cargo in 2024. Central to the orderly and sustainable development of this sector is the Merchant Shipping Levy—currently evolving into the Shippers’ Cargo Fee—collected by the Kenya Revenue Authority on behalf of the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA).
This vital revenue stream underpins KMA’s broad mandate under the Merchant Shipping Act, supporting critical areas such as maritime safety, environmental protection, and the training, certification, and welfare of seafarers. At a rate of approximately USD 1.5 per tonne on qualifying cargo, the levy generated an estimated KES 7.9 billion in the recent year. KMA’s proposal to adjust this rate to USD 2.5 per tonne under the draft Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations, 2025, reflects a necessary step to strengthen the Authority’s capacity to meet its expanding responsibilities. Crucially, these proposed regulations thoughtfully designate maritime education and training, as well as seafarers’ welfare services, as key areas supported by the fee structure.
KMA has made meaningful progress in advancing Kenya’s standing in the global maritime community. The Authority has maintained Kenya’s place on the IMO White List, expanded the number of accredited maritime education and training institutions, streamlined the issuance of Seafarers’ Identity Documents, and regulated recruitment and placement agencies. It has also worked closely with social partners to uphold Maritime Labour Convention standards. These efforts align directly with the government’s ambition to significantly grow the number of trained Kenyan seafarers, building a competitive national workforce.
As the sector grows, a valuable opportunity exists to more directly connect these resources with the practical needs of Kenyan seafarers—particularly in accessing quality training, ongoing professional development, and robust welfare measures. Many aspiring and serving seafarers benefit from KMA-accredited programmes at institutions like Bandari Maritime Academy and other approved centres. Yet, the costs of initial STCW courses, refresher training, medical certification, and pathways to higher qualifications can still present significant challenges for individuals and their families.
A more collaborative approach could enhance these existing pathways. This would involve clearer communication of available support mechanisms, expanded scholarship and subsidy opportunities for training, strengthened partnerships for sea-time placement, and continued investment in welfare initiatives. Such steps would empower more Kenyans to seize opportunities in the competitive global seafarer labour market. Furthermore, transparent reporting on how levy resources contribute to maritime education, certification, and seafarer welfare would build public confidence and demonstrate the tangible returns of this fee.
KMA is uniquely positioned to lead this effort. By building on its strong regulatory foundation and existing partnerships with training institutions, unions, industry, and government, the Authority can ensure that a meaningful share of the levy’s benefits directly reaches the men and women who form the human capital of Kenya’s blue economy. These actions would complement the proposed fee adjustments by delivering visible value to seafarers, shippers, and the broader public.
The Merchant Shipping Levy is more than a funding mechanism; it is an instrument for national maritime development. With thoughtful design and continued collaboration, it can support both a well-resourced regulator and a growing, competitive cadre of Kenyan seafarers ready to contribute to the country’s prosperity on the high seas and at home. Kenya’s maritime future is bright, and KMA’s leadership remains central to realising that potential for the benefit of all stakeholders.