The Commission on Administrative Justice (Office of the Ombudsman) has intervened over persistent delays and administrative confusion in the issuance of Seafarer Identification Documents (SIDs), following media reports that have left qualified Kenyan mariners unable to access employment opportunities.
In a statement issued on Monday, February 9, 2026, the Commission said the matter came to its attention on January 22, 2026, after The Standard newspaper highlighted prolonged delays, unclear institutional responsibility, and systemic inefficiencies in the SIDs issuance process.
The Commission stated that the challenges have restricted international mobility and undermined livelihoods, despite Kenya’s stated commitment to the blue economy and international maritime labour standards.
“These challenges have reportedly left qualified Kenyan seafarers unable to access employment opportunities, restricted their international mobility, and undermined their livelihoods, despite Kenya’s stated commitment to the blue economy and international maritime labour standards,” the Office of the Ombudsman statement read in part.
Office of the Ombudsman On SIDs and Legal Requirements
According to the Office of the Ombudsman, SIDs are critical documents required under international maritime law. They serve as proof of a seafarer’s identity and professional status, facilitate shore leave, transit, and transfer between vessels, and are essential for lawful employment across international borders.
The Commission noted that failure to issue the documents in a timely, efficient, and coordinated manner raises concerns about governance, institutional inertia, and possible violations of constitutional rights.
“SIDs are critical documents required under international maritime law. They serve as proof of a seafarer’s identity and professional status, facilitate shore leave, transit, and transfer between vessels, and are essential for lawful employment across international borders.”
Acting pursuant to Section 8 of the Commission on Administrative Justice Act, 2011, the Commission formally wrote to the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs seeking clarification.
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It requested explanations on the administrative framework governing SIDs issuance in Kenya, the causes of delays and administrative bottlenecks and data on the number of affected seafarers and processing timelines.
Constitutional and Administrative Concerns
The Commission further stated that, if substantiated, the delays could amount to a violation of Article 47 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to expeditious, efficient, lawful, reasonable, and procedurally fair administrative action.
It added that prolonged denial of SIDs potentially undermines Article 43(1)(e) on the right to livelihood, as seafarers are effectively locked out of lawful employment opportunities.
“If substantiated, the delays could amount to a violation of Article 47 of the Constitution.”
In its response, the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs acknowledged the existence of delays and administrative challenges in the SIDs issuance process.
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The Department attributed the challenges to system transitions, procurement requirements under the government e-procurement framework, and the need for coordination among multiple agencies, including the Kenya Maritime Authority, Immigration Services, the National Registration Bureau, and eCitizen.
It outlined measures undertaken to address the problem, including the development of an electronic SIDs system, a biometric and data-exchange infrastructure, inter-agency framework agreements, engagement with the International Labour Organisation, and the preparation of procurement documentation.
The State Department indicated that rollout of SIDs issuance is expected before the close of the 2025/2026 Financial Year.
The Commission stated that it will continue to monitor the implementation of the proposed reforms to ensure accountability, compliance with constitutional and international obligations, and the protection of the rights and livelihoods of Kenyan seafarers.
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