This study examines the challenges and opportunities within Kenya’s maritime education and training (MET) sector using a mixed-method design. A survey of 18 maritime instructors revealed critical deficiencies in instructional resources, technological infrastructure, and professional development. Complementing these findings, a focus group with six instructors trained in Finland illuminated systemic barriers to aligning Kenyan MET with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). The STCW Code had major revisions in 1995 and 2010 and is currently being revised to accommodate emerging technologies, world-wide disruptions such as COVID-19 hence the need for updated training tools and methods. Against this background, key issues include limited access to modern training tools, inadequate pedagogical preparation, instructor training and experience, and regulatory awareness. This research proposes a strategic framework to enhance MET through technology integration, international collaboration, and capacity-building initiatives, offering a roadmap for elevating Kenya’s maritime workforce to global benchmarks.