As The Government, Private Sector And Academic Institutions Partner In Scramble For Blue Economy Goodies
By James Wakahiu
Worth Noting:
- “As we mark World Maritime Day, the theme for this year, “Navigating the Future Together,” could not be more relevant to our gathering. We are not only celebrating MKU’s commitment to advancing maritime education but also a significant step towards positioning Kenya as a global leader in the blue economy,” he added.
- Kaituko said one of the biggest challenges for maritime graduates globally is securing sea time, a prerequisite for professional qualification. “Through our collaborations with Germany, Japan, South Korea, China, and other major maritime nations, we have secured agreements that will allow Kenyan cadets, including those graduating from institutions like this academy, to undergo their sea-time training on international vessels,” he noted.
The government is appealing to universities, industry players, and communities to come together and partner with the State so as to prepare the next generation of maritime professionals and create jobs for the youth.
The Principal Secretary, State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Mining, Blue economy and Maritime affairs, Geoffrey Kaituko, says the maritime industry is an integral part of the global economy, and it is evolving rapidly with new technologies, regulations, and opportunities.
“To be competitive in this space, we need to work collaboratively,” he said.
The PS said the government has already cultivated excellent partnerships over the past few years with international shipping lines, global maritime organisations, and other maritime nations.
“These partnerships are designed to provide our maritime students with the critical sea time they need for their training and eventual certification,” he said.
He was speaking during the award of accreditation of Mount Kenya University (MKU)’s new Malindi Maritime Academy by the Kenya Maritime Authority in Malindi town.
“As we mark World Maritime Day, the theme for this year, “Navigating the Future Together,” could not be more relevant to our gathering. We are not only celebrating MKU’s commitment to advancing maritime education but also a significant step towards positioning Kenya as a global leader in the blue economy,” he added.
Kaituko said one of the biggest challenges for maritime graduates globally is securing sea time, a prerequisite for professional qualification. “Through our collaborations with Germany, Japan, South Korea, China, and other major maritime nations, we have secured agreements that will allow Kenyan cadets, including those graduating from institutions like this academy, to undergo their sea-time training on international vessels,” he noted.
The PS said these opportunities are essential not only for the hands-on experience they provide but also for the exposure to international maritime standards and operations. The State has also strengthened our relationships with leading shipping lines such as Maersk, CMA CGM, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) to ensure that Kenyan cadets and maritime professionals are given priority for placement on their fleets.
“These partnerships are crucial for creating sustainable career pathways for our maritime graduates, enabling them to gain not just sea time but also long-term employment in global maritime industries. The Government is in discussions to create bilateral agreements with more countries to recognize Kenya’s maritime training certifications, specifically those issued by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA),” he added. Our goal is to ensure that
Dr. Vincent Gaitho, Chairman, University Council at MKU said the momentous occasion marked not only the expansion of the institution’s educational horizons, but also underscores MKU’s commitment to positioning Kenya as a global leader in maritime education and training. “Just as Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama once navigated uncharted waters, we embark on a new journey to navigate the future of maritime education, innovation, and economic empowerment,” he said.
Dr Gaitho said the state-of-the-art facilities, including cutting-edge simulators and advanced training infrastructure, are designed to provide world-class Maritime Education and Training. “We commit and strive to continuously offer internationally accredited programs which are meticulously crafted to meet the global demand for qualified seafarers and maritime professionals, ensuring our graduates are equipped to excel in a competitive international maritime sector,” he added.
The chairman said the new Malindi Maritime Academy is strategically established to address this challenge by creating a direct pathway to high-demand careers in the maritime sector.
“The global shortage of qualified maritime professionals presents a significant opportunity for Kenya to supply the workforce the world urgently needs,” he said.
The university has incorporated German and Korean languages courses into its curriculum and many others will be added in the future. These languages are pivotal in regions with high demand for maritime professionals, such as Germany and South Korea.
“I am honored to hand over the facility to our esteemed Vice-Chancellor and the university administration. I have full confidence in the leadership and dedication of our Vice-Chancellor and management team to utilize this facility to its fullest potential, driving initiatives that will create meaningful employment opportunities and harness the vast potential of the maritime industry,” he said.
Dr Gaitho challenged the university’s administrators to ensure a total growth of the campus into a dynamic platform for job creation. “Beyond providing exceptional education, let this institution be a catalyst for economic growth by fostering partnerships with industry stakeholders, encouraging entrepreneurial ventures among graduates, and spearheading research and innovation in maritime technologies,” he added.
He also pleaded with Kenyan business community and international development partners and investors to explore opportunities and invest within the maritime sector.
“Traditional investments in real estate are valuable, but the maritime industry offers vast untapped potential. Investing in merchant ships, maritime vessels, and the broader supply chain can yield substantial financial returns while simultaneously driving job creation and economic diversification,” he noted.
Area MP Amina Mnyazi lauded MKU for initiating a tailor-made institution that will directly benefit the people of Coastal region, terming the academy “the best thing that has happened to the Constituency.”
Captain Peter Munga, the Director of Maritime Education Training and Labour at KMA, said: “A year ago we had students travel away from Kenya for some type of training but now look at what we have here! State of the Art Facility!”
Kilifi County Woman Rep Gertrude Mbeyu pledged to mobilise students in her county to register for maritime courses in the academy. “I’m so happy for MKU, welcome to Kilifi County, welcome to Malindi. Kuanzia kesho mimi tayari nitajaza forms, najua kule nitawatoa wanafunzi hawa,” she declared, amid cheers.
Welcoming the PS and other guests to the event, MKU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deogratius Jaganyi, said the institution has also been accredited to offer Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) courses. “These internationally recognized courses will form the foundation of the global maritime training, ensuring that seafarers meet the highest standards of safety, competence, and professionalism,” he noted.
He assured Kenyans that MKU is committed to developing professionals who are versatile and well-rounded. “Whether it is training of the cadets to navigate the seas or preparing engineers to maintain the vessels that keep global trade moving, we are dedicated to delivering programs that address every aspect of this complex and essential industry,” he said.
Additionally, job creation for the youth is a key priority at MKU. Therefore, since the maritime industry offers diverse job opportunities, the skills learned here will directly translate into well-paying and fulfilling careers.
The VC said MKU is committed to tackling youth unemployment and will work closely with industry partners to secure sea-time opportunities and employment pathways for its graduates, ensuring that they are not only well trained and adequately skilled, but also connected to global job markets.
Prof Jaganyi said the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the UN Agency charged with the dual role of supporting the SDGs through prevention of maritime and atmospheric pollution by ships as well as ensuring shipping safety and security. “MKU’s Malindi Maritime Academy’s role and commitment is to work hand-in-hand with the Kenya Maritime Authority as well as the UN’s International Maritime Organization in achieving the aforementioned responsibilities,” he said.
Beyond training, research and innovation will be critical parts of the new academy’s work. It comes at a time when the maritime sector is undergoing a transformation, driven by technology, environmental sustainability concerns, and evolving global trade patterns.
“We are committed to fostering research initiatives that will help solve real-world challenges facing the maritime industry,” said the VC.
Prof Jaganyi said apart from addressing the impact of climate change in oceans to developing sustainable port operations and logistics solutions, we are positioning this academy as a hub for cutting-edge maritime research. “Collaboration with industry, government, and other institutions will be essential partnerships that will drive innovation and improve practices within the maritime sector,” he added.
“MKU, through the Malindi Maritime Academy, shall strive to produce top-tier maritime professionals who are ready to make a great contribution within the industry, both nationally and internationally in line with the global Goals,” he concluded.
