By John Ndegwa / BMA
Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening governance, institutional performance and strategic leadership following a three-day Board and Management Retreat held in Kisumu County.
The retreat brought together the Chairman of the BMA Board of Directors, Eng. Lung’anzi Chai Mangale, members of the Board and the Academy’s senior management, providing a strategic platform to review institutional progress, assess emerging opportunities and align priorities towards advancing BMA’s mandate as a Centre of Excellence in Shipping, Maritime and Blue Economy Education and Training.
Eng. Lung’anzi Chai Mangale highlighted the critical role of strong governance, effective strategic oversight and collective responsibility in driving the Academy’s institutional mandate. He emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration between the Board and Management in ensuring that BMA remains responsive to the changing needs of the maritime industry and the wider Blue Economy.
The Board’s engagement focused on reviewing progress against the Academy’s strategic priorities while identifying areas requiring renewed attention and opportunities for further growth. The deliberations provided valuable insights into strengthening institutional performance, enhancing accountability and ensuring that BMA remains strategically positioned to meet both national and international maritime training needs.
The Board members in attendance Archer Arina, Grace Kaindi, Capt. Moses Muthama, Dr. Fridah Simba,Tom Ndhine and Ahmed Abdirahman, actively participated in discussions on key institutional priorities. These included strengthening academic and training excellence, enhancing institutional performance, expanding strategic and international partnerships, improving innovation and competitiveness, and positioning BMA to effectively respond to the evolving demands of the maritime and Blue Economy sectors.
BMA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Eric Katana, led the Management team in facilitating discussions on the implementation of the Academy’s strategic priorities and translating institutional aspirations into measurable actions and outcomes.
Dr. Katana highlighted the importance of a strong and collaborative relationship between the Board and Management in delivering BMA’s mandate, strengthening institutional systems and sustaining the Academy’s growth, reputation and visibility within Kenya’s maritime training sector and beyond.
“Our strategic direction must translate into tangible outcomes that strengthen the Academy, empower our trainees and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Kenya’s maritime sector and the wider Blue Economy,” Dr. Katana emphasized.
The retreat comes at a strategic time as BMA continues to strengthen its position as a leading institution in maritime education and training, while deepening partnerships and enhancing its contribution to the development of a skilled maritime workforce capable of supporting Kenya’s growing shipping and Blue Economy ambitions. Also present during the session were SCAC Directors Eliud Mathu and Rodah Ogoma.
