Danica Crewing Specialists

Tackling the shortage of officers

Kenya Cadet Programme

Danica is committed to securing the crew supply of tomorrow. Through our cadet training programme in Kenya, we support an emerging seafarer country offering well-educated cadets and building the officer supply pipeline of tomorrow.

Participate in Danica's Kenya Cadet project

Looking ahead, all prognoses predict the shortage of officers will worsen. It is essential to look ahead and find ways to address the crew shortage in the years to come.

In 2025 Danica made a feasibility study of various countries with the potential to become future seafarer suppliers. Our extensive study concluded that Kenya has excellent potential to become a supplier of high-quality officers. After conducting a deeper investigation and a pilot project in Kenya, which confirmed the high professional level of the cadets, Danica established a joint venture with the top-tier maritime academy in Kenya, now enabling us to offer cadets from Kenya.

Main takeaways of our report on Kenyan maritime resources and education

  • A large population of 52.4 million, mainly young people
  • English native speakers
  • An education system based on British standards
  • Full IMO member and fully STCW whitelisted
  • Approx. 5,000 STCW licensed seafarers, mainly ratings and hospitality crew on cruise vessels
  • High-standard maritime education infrastructure
  • Output of 1,200 graduated officers over the past three years, with the number increasing
  • Most officer graduates are not able to obtain licences due to a lack of sea service
  • The Kenyan government's high-priority project "Blue Kenya" includes further development of maritime education capacity, among others with support from Denmark

Would you like to participate in the programme? Contact Captain Henrik Jensen.

FAQ

Successful cadets continue with Danica as junior officers, with structured competence management and promotion planning towards senior ranks.