Ruto Secures 1,000 Jobs for Kenyans in Norway as Major Maritime Deal Opens New Opportunities
President William Ruto has announced a landmark employment agreement that will see at least 1,000 Kenyans secure jobs in Norway’s maritime industry by 2030, in what the government is hailing as a major boost for the country’s labour export programme.
The deal was unveiled following high-level meetings held in Oslo during the President’s ongoing European tour, with Norwegian shipping companies committing to recruit Kenyan seafarers over the next five years.
According to President Ruto, the agreement will begin taking effect immediately, with an initial target of 120 Kenyan seafarers expected to be employed before the end of 2026.
In a statement shared on his official X account, the Head of State welcomed the commitment from leading Norwegian maritime firms, including Wilhelmsen Ship Management, describing the development as a significant milestone for Kenya’s blue economy ambitions.
“We 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 noted that the agreement forms part of Kenya’s broader strategy to create overseas employment opportunities for skilled workers while positioning the country as a leading source of maritime professionals.
Beyond job creation, discussions between Kenyan and Norwegian officials also focused on strengthening cooperation in green shipping, ocean sustainability, maritime technology transfer and innovation.
The two countries explored the possibility of establishing green trade corridors aimed at reducing carbon emissions in maritime transport while enhancing trade efficiency and logistics between East Africa and Europe.
Ruto further revealed that Kenya and Norway are examining new shipping routes that could significantly increase trade volumes and strengthen connectivity between Norwegian ports and Kenya’s strategic maritime hubs.
“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,” the President added.
The latest announcement comes amid an intensive diplomatic and investment drive by the Kenyan leader across Europe.
Just a day earlier, Ruto announced that he had secured investments and development support worth KSh20.9 billion during engagements in Belgium.
The package includes KSh15.3 billion in new investments under the European Union-Kenya Digital Partnership and an additional KSh5.6 billion earmarked for the African extension of the Blue Raman submarine cable project.
The government believes the investments will accelerate digital transformation, improve internet connectivity and create new economic opportunities for young Kenyans.
President Ruto is currently on a week-long European tour that has already taken him to Belgium and Norway. He is expected to proceed to Finland for a state visit, where further discussions on trade, investment and employment opportunities are anticipated.
The Norway agreement is expected to provide fresh opportunities for Kenyan seafarers at a time when the government is increasingly pursuing labour export programmes as part of its strategy to tackle unemployment and boost foreign remittances.
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