BY John Ndegwa/ BMA
Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) hosted the President of the World Maritime University (WMU), Prof. Maximo Mejia Jr. and WMU Vice President Dr. Jens-Uwe Schroder-Hinrichs in a high-level visit that underscored the deepening ties between the two institutions.
Welcoming the delegation, BMA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana hailed the visit as a testament to the strong partnership between WMU and the Academy. He emphasized the shared vision of building Maritime capacity, advancing innovation, and preparing the next generation of professionals to shape the future of the global Maritime industry.
Dr. Katana highlighted the immense value of academic exchange programmes, noting that collaboration with WMU will create opportunities for student and faculty mobility, cross-border learning, and the sharing of best practices. He added that such partnerships enrich BMA’s curriculum while strengthening its contribution to Kenya’s Maritime sector and the wider region.
He further stressed the importance of sponsoring trainers for postgraduate programmes, saying this was vital for the Academy’s growth and long-term sustainability. Dr. Katana also pointed to the rapid evolution of the Maritime industry, with challenges and opportunities emerging in digitalization, decarbonization, climate change adaptation, safety, and sustainable Blue Economy initiatives.
“Joint research between Bandari Maritime Academy and World Maritime University will enable us to generate knowledge, develop innovative solutions, and provide policy recommendations that respond to these pressing global issues,” said Dr. Katana.
On his part, WMU President Prof. Mejia reaffirmed the university’s commitment to collaborative training and capacity building, aimed at closing existing gaps in maritime education and addressing global training challenges.
Senior BMA officials in attendance included Deputy Director MTOT Enock Okwemwa, Deputy Director Maritime Education and Training Chief Eng. Titus Kilonzi, Deputy Director Supply Chain Management Samson Chira, Head of Legal and Corporate Secretary Said Gongo, Academy Registrar Dr. Irene Mugo, Senior Principal Trainer Nautical Science Maj. (Rtd) Franklyne Toniok, and Senior Principal Trainer Marine Engineering Eng. Joseph Mbuthia. The State Department for Shipping and Maritime was represented by Principal Shipping and Maritime Officer Grace Muli.
