By John Ndegwa / BMA
Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) has received a major boost following the clearance of the proposed Bandari Maritime Academy Bill, 2025 by the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, paving the way for its progression to the next stages in Parliament.
The Bill seeks to formally establish Bandari Maritime Academy through an Act of Parliament, while clearly outlining its functions, governance, management and administrative framework. This milestone marks a significant step towards strengthening the Academy’s legal and institutional foundation as a premier maritime training institution.
During a legal briefing held at Parliament Buildings, the National Assembly’s legal team informed Committee Members that the proposed legislation will replace the current framework under the Bandari Maritime Academy Order, Legal Notice No. 233 of 2018.
The new law is expected to elevate the Academy into a fully-fledged centre of excellence dedicated to advancing maritime education, training, and research in Kenya and the wider region.
Committee Vice Chairperson, Hon. Didmus Barasa, who chaired the session, emphasized the importance of ensuring the Bill’s constitutional compliance as it advances through the legislative process. He noted that the Committee had no reservations in allowing the Bill to proceed.
“We should allow it to move forward. Amendments can still be introduced by Members at the appropriate stage, and the Committee will also engage the sponsor of the Bill, Hon. Owen Baya,” Hon. Barasa stated.
Members of the Committee, including Hon. Komingoi Kibet (Bureti), Hon. Abdul Dawood (North Imenti), and Hon. Badi Twalib (Jomvu), expressed strong support for the Bill and encouraged their colleagues to back it in the subsequent stages.
The Committee’s endorsement signals growing national support for the transformation of Bandari Maritime Academy into a robust institution anchored in law. Once enacted, the Bill will enhance the Academy’s capacity to deliver world-class maritime training, foster innovation, and contribute significantly to the growth of Kenya’s blue economy.
Welcoming the development, Bandari Maritime Academy Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana described the Committee’s endorsement as a landmark achievement for the Academy and the maritime sector at large.
“This is a significant milestone that reinforces our vision of positioning Bandari Maritime Academy as a centre of excellence in maritime education, training and research. The proposed law will strengthen our institutional framework, enhance our capacity to deliver globally competitive training, and support the growth of Kenya’s blue economy,” said Dr. Katana.
This development marks a proud and defining moment for Bandari Maritime Academy, reaffirming its strategic role as a leading hub for maritime excellence in the region.
