The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has said it has no power to ensure that available jobs are set aside for seafarers.
Speaking at a local radio station, KMA Acting Director Amos Cherop said that Kenya as a country is operating on a closed register as opposed to other ports that use the open register.
"The country currently operates on a closed register but we have plans to ensure that it reverts to open register,” said Cherop.
In the open register, shipping lines registered within Kenya must operate in strict guidelines that touch on the employment rules so as to adhere to the need to employ a number of native seafarers.
On its part, the Kenya Seafarers Association said that lack of job placements within the shipping line was their main challenge, noting that foreigners were given a upper hand in employment opportunities.
"I was trained as a seafarer by the government even before the launch of KMA. I am disappointed by the once vibrant employment industry for seafarers along the coastal town of Mombasa,” Mohamed Oweso.
KMA on Saturday held a meeting with seafarers with the aim of ironing out the issues they face.