By John Ndegwa / BMA
Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) is stepping up efforts to expand awareness of maritime education and training among technical and vocational training institutions, with a focus on equipping skilled professionals with additional competencies to tap into emerging employment opportunities in the maritime and Blue Economy sectors.
With thousands of skilled professionals graduating annually from The Ol’ Lessos National Polytechnic in Nandi County, there is growing potential to leverage their existing technical skills through specialized maritime training, certification and industry-oriented programmes to enhance their employability in the global maritime industry.
This was highlighted during a courtesy call by a BMA delegation led by Senior Business Development and Marketing Officer Fatma Mzee to The Ol’ Lessos National Polytechnic, where the team was hosted by the institution’s Deputy Principal, Administration, Irene Mukabi.
Discussions centred on opportunities for collaboration in promoting maritime education and training, creating awareness of career opportunities in the maritime industry and equipping graduates with the relevant skills and certifications required to work in the sector.
Deputy Principal Mukabi welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that maritime education and training would provide graduates with additional career pathways and enhance their competitiveness in the job market.
She noted the potential of linking the institution’s technical training programmes with specialized maritime courses to prepare more young professionals for opportunities in the shipping and wider Blue Economy sectors.
She further expressed the institution’s commitment to establishing a mutually beneficial partnership with BMA to facilitate access to maritime training and certification for its graduates, including opportunities to qualify for various shipboard roles, subject to meeting the relevant training, certification and regulatory requirements.
The proposed collaboration is expected to open new pathways for skilled professionals in fields such as marine engineering, deck operations, ship maintenance, maritime transport and logistics, among other areas within the maritime value chain.
