Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA), in partnership with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), is conducting a sensitization workshop to equip the Academy’s project leaders and researchers with the skills needed to develop competitive research proposals and projects.
The workshop aims to strengthen the Academy’s capacity to attract competitive research funding, diversify its revenue streams, and support innovative projects that advance maritime education and training.
The initiative, spearheaded by BMA Board Member Dr. Fridah Simba, also seeks to enhance participants’ proposal-writing and project-development skills while aligning the Academy’s research agenda with national and international funding priorities.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by the Senior Deputy Director for Maritime Transport and Port Operations Training, Mr. Enock Okemwa, BMA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana underscored the importance of research and innovation as drivers of sustainable development.
“Research and innovation remain the cornerstone of sustainable development. The proposals and projects being developed through this training represent not only academic excellence but also practical solutions that can transform lives, strengthen industries, and contribute to Kenya’s national development agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Dr. Katana.
Dr. Katana also commended JKUAT for its continued leadership in research, innovation, and technology transfer, noting that the partnership will strengthen BMA’s research culture and enhance its ability to secure research grants and development funding.
Speaking during the workshop, Dr. Fridah Simba described research as a critical pillar of institutional growth, saying it creates opportunities for innovation, development, and resource mobilization.
She noted that the training will enable the Academy to explore alternative funding sources beyond government allocations, thereby enhancing its long-term financial sustainability.
“Bandari Maritime Academy is uniquely positioned as Kenya’s premier maritime training institution. This gives the Academy a competitive advantage in attracting donor support and research funding, and this initiative will strengthen our ability to develop compelling proposals,” she said.
The workshop is being facilitated by Prof. Daniel N. Sila and Prof. John M. Wasonga from JKUAT, who are guiding participants through proposal development, project design, and strategies for securing competitive research funding.
The initiative underscores Bandari Maritime Academy’s commitment to strengthening research, fostering innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support institutional excellence and contribute to Kenya’s national development.
