By John Ndegwa / BMA
Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana joined Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Hon. Ali Hassan Joho, and Principal Secretary for the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Aden Millah, at a high-level networking event hosted by Maersk on Wednesday evening.
The event, held as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Maersk’s longstanding partnership with Kenya, brought together key stakeholders from government and the maritime industry to explore opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and skills development within the sector.
Maersk and Kenya share a strong and mutually beneficial relationship spanning more than six decades. Over the years, the partnership has played a pivotal role in advancing Kenya’s maritime, logistics, and international trade sectors, positioning the country as a strategic gateway for regional and global commerce.
A key highlight of the evening was the announcement by Maersk of a new internship programme designed to equip Kenyan graduates with practical industry experience. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic training and workplace demands by offering hands-on exposure in maritime logistics, shipping operations, and related fields.
Speaking during the event, Cabinet Secretary Hon. Ali Hassan Joho commended Maersk for its continued collaboration with the Government of Kenya, noting that such partnerships are instrumental in driving economic growth and creating meaningful opportunities for young people.
“Maersk has remained a reliable partner in supporting the growth of our maritime and logistics sectors. Initiatives such as this internship programme demonstrate a shared commitment to empowering our youth and strengthening Kenya’s position in the global maritime economy,” said Hon. Cs Joho.
Principal Secretary Aden Millah welcomed the programme, describing it as a timely intervention that will enhance the employability of graduates from maritime and related disciplines. He emphasized the importance of practical skills in today’s competitive job market, adding that the initiative will help nurture a workforce that meets international standards.
“This internship programme will provide our graduates with critical technical and practical skills, enabling them to compete effectively in the global maritime industry. It is a significant step towards building capacity and addressing skills gaps within the sector,” said Millah.
Bandari Maritime Academy CEO Dr. Eric Katana also lauded the initiative, highlighting its potential to address one of the most pressing challenges facing maritime students access to sea time and practical training opportunities.
“This programme is a real game changer, particularly in addressing sea time challenges among cadets. By providing structured industry exposure, it will greatly enhance the training experience and career readiness of our students,” said Dr. Katana.
