Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), marking a significant milestone in strengthening maritime education, research collaboration, and capacity building in Kenya.
The agreement, signed by BMA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana and KMFRI Director General Dr. Paul Orina, will enable BMA cadets to acquire mandatory sea time aboard KMFRI research vessels, providing them with practical experience that complements their academic training and prepares them for careers in the maritime industry.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr. Katana described the partnership as a transformative step towards enhancing the quality of maritime training in the country.
“This Memorandum of Understanding is a major step towards strengthening practical maritime training in Kenya. By providing our cadets with sea time aboard KMFRI vessels, we are ensuring they gain the hands-on experience required to become competent maritime professionals,” said Dr. Katana.
He emphasized that the collaboration reflects the strong link between research and education, noting that practical exposure is essential in developing a highly skilled maritime workforce.
“Research and training are inseparable. This partnership will enhance the quality of our maritime programmes and contribute significantly to developing the skilled workforce needed to support the growth of Kenya’s Blue Economy,” he added.
On his part, Dr. Orina welcomed the partnership, noting that the two institutions share a common vision of advancing Kenya’s maritime sector through collaboration, innovation, and human capital development.
“KMFRI and Bandari Maritime Academy operate within the same maritime ecosystem, and this partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to complementing each other’s mandates in research, training, and capacity building,” said Dr. Orina.
He further underscored the critical role Bandari Maritime Academy plays in nurturing the next generation of maritime professionals.
“Bandari Maritime Academy has a critical role in producing the skilled human resource required to drive the Blue Economy. Through this collaboration, we are creating meaningful opportunities for cadets to gain practical sea experience while strengthening Kenya’s maritime sector,” he said.
The MoU reinforces the commitment of both institutions to fostering excellence in maritime education and research while creating sustainable pathways for skills development.
By combining KMFRI’s research expertise and marine resources with BMA’s mandate to train world-class seafarers and maritime professionals, the partnership is expected to contribute significantly to the realization of Kenya’s Blue Economy agenda and the country’s broader socio-economic development.
