After working as a casual housekeeper, Mwanyika enrolled in the STCW Basic Safety Training course at Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) with one clear goal—to pursue a career at sea.
Initially, Mwanyika was skeptical about stories of Kenyans securing employment on international cruise ships.
“At first, I didn’t believe the stories about people working at sea. But through the youth sensitization programmes conducted by Bandari Maritime Academy, I came to believe that I, too, could work on a cruise ship,” he recalls.
After successfully completing his training and obtaining his Seafarer’s Discharge Book (Seaman’s Book), Mwanyika applied for a position with an international shipping company.
What once seemed like an impossible dream soon became a reality. He was shortlisted for an interview and later received an employment contract to serve as a seafarer.
“I got the job fairly. I didn’t pay anyone, and no agent asked me for money. I simply followed the right procedures,” he says, urging aspiring seafarers to avoid fraudulent recruitment schemes.
Today, Mwanyika serves as a Cabin Steward aboard one of the world’s leading cruise lines, a role that has taken him to more than 24 ports across several continents.
“I have visited places I only imagined seeing in movies. I’ve travelled to the United States, Brazil, Argentina, China, and many other countries. Working at sea has completely changed my life.”
Mwanyika believes that determination, practical skills, and professional training are often more important than academic qualifications for many opportunities in the cruise ship industry.
“The level of education is not always the deciding factor. What matters most is proving that you have the skills and ability to perform the job.”
Inspired by his own journey, Mwanyika now encourages young Kenyans to explore opportunities within the blue economy by enrolling in maritime training programmes at Bandari Maritime Academy.
His remarkable transformation—from a casual worker to an international seafarer—stands as a testament to the life-changing opportunities that maritime training can unlock.
