The National Employment Authority (NEA) Mombasa Office actively participated in the highly anticipated Vijana Na Blue Economy Forum, held at the Technical University of Mombasa onNovember 27th and 28th, 2024. The two-day event, organized in collaboration with NEA, Mombasa County and various stakeholders, centered on raising awareness among the youth about the vast job opportunities within the maritime and blue economy sectors. The forum which aimed at educating young people about career prospects in the growing maritime industry, attracted over 1,000 youth eager to explore the new and emerging job avenues available in this dynamic sector. The focus was not only on the variety of maritime-related careers but also on the broader potential of the blue economy, which includes sectors such as fishing, shipping, maritime tourism, and environmental conservation.
During the forum, NEA seized the opportunity to raise awareness about its mandate and the critical role it plays in addressing unemployment in Kenya. Through its interactive booth and presentations, the Authority highlighted its key functions, which include employment facilitation, job matching, and support for job seekers, especially with the youth. NEA’s involvement was crucial in ensuring that attendees understood how they could access resources and support through the National Employment Management Information System (NEAMIS).
In a speech delivered at the forum, Mr. Moses Mutua, the Principal Employment Officer for NEA Mombasa, emphasized the importance of youth engagement in the blue economy and the role of NEA in helping young people secure sustainable employment. He encouraged the youth to visit the NEA’s dedicated tent at the event to learn more about the authority’s services. The Principal Employment Officer's call to action resonated with many in the crowd, leading to a surge in interest at the NEA booth. Young job seekers flocked to the NEA tent, seeking guidance on the available offered employment opportunities. As a result, NEA experienced a significant increase in registrations on the NEAMIS system, a national platform designed to link job seekers with potential employers.
Aside from offering a platform for the youth to network with industry professionals, the event also featured a range of other stakeholders, including maritime training institutions, government agencies, and private sector companies, all of whom provided insights into the skills and qualifications required to thrive in the blue economy. For many of the attendees, the forum proved to be an eye-opening experience, showcasing the vast potential of the blue economy to transform the employment landscape for young Kenyans.