Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) today hosted a delegation from Fuzhou Vocational and Technical University of China to explore a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening maritime education and training.
The discussions focused on establishing exchange programmes for short courses and enhancing the capacity of trainers through academic collaboration.
The proposed partnership is expected to promote knowledge sharing, foster the exchange of best practices, and strengthen institutional cooperation between the two institutions.Representing BMA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana, Senior Deputy Director for Maritime Transport and Port Operations Training, Enock Okemwa, welcomed the initiative, noting that it would expand learning opportunities for BMA cadets while enhancing the capacity of trainers to deliver internationally competitive maritime education.
“This partnership will give our cadets greater exposure to international maritime training and equip them with the skills needed to compete in the global maritime industry,” said Okemwa.
Fuzhou Vocational and Technical University President, Prof. CHEN Niandong, reaffirmed his institution’s commitment to the partnership and expressed readiness to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bandari Maritime Academy to formalize the collaboration.
The proposed collaboration reflects Bandari Maritime Academy’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships that advance maritime training, innovation, and workforce development in support of Kenya’s Blue Economy agenda.During the visit, the delegation toured the Academy’s Full Bridge Mission Simulator, Aquatic Centre, and Fire Fighting Centre, where they were briefed on BMA’s state-of-the-art training facilities and their role in delivering practical, industry-focused maritime education.
Present at the meeting were BMA Assistant Director of Internal Audit John Mogwambo, Head of Supply Chain Samson Chira, Senior Principal Nautical Science Trainer I Maj. (Rtd) Franklyne Toniok, Nautical Science and Simulator Instructor Jacob Kazungu, Nautical Science Trainer Winnie Nyambu, and Mombasa Investment Corporation General Manager for Partnerships and Networking, Rabia Salim.
