Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Eric Katana, today welcomed Miss Global Tourism Kenya, Mitchelle Opiyo Otieno, to the Academy for a cinematic feature story aimed at showcasing Kenya’s blue economy and the critical role of maritime training in advancing the sector.
The visit sought to highlight how Kenya’s blue economy agenda is being supported through specialized maritime education and training offered at BMA.
While welcoming Miss Global Tourism Kenya, Dr. Katana said the collaboration would help create greater awareness of maritime education and career opportunities among Kenyan youth and across the region.
“We welcome you to this institution. We need more Kenyans to enroll at Bandari Maritime Academy and explore the vast opportunities available in the maritime sector,” said Dr. Katana.
He noted that the Academy remains open to the public and continues to play a key role in developing the skilled workforce required to support the growth of the blue economy.
Dr. Katana also commended Miss Global Tourism Kenya for her achievements, describing her as an inspiration to young men and women aspiring to build careers in modeling and other creative industries.
“Miss Tourism Kenya is a role model to many young people. Her journey demonstrates that with determination and hard work, young men and women can pursue their dreams and succeed in the modeling industry while also championing important national causes such as the blue economy,” he said.
Speaking during the visit, Miss Otieno said her mission is to position Bandari Maritime Academy on the global stage by showcasing its advanced training facilities and modern maritime technology.
“The aim is to encourage more young people to consider maritime courses just as they do other professional disciplines and take advantage of the many employment opportunities available in the sector,” she said.
She added that promoting maritime education and careers is essential to unlocking opportunities within the blue economy and ensuring greater youth participation in the sector.
During the tour, Miss Opiyo visited the Academy’s Full Mission Bridge Simulator, Aquatic Centre, and the Maritime Training and Survival Centre, which is currently under construction.
The Full Mission Bridge Simulator provides trainees with a realistic ship-navigation environment, enabling them to develop practical skills in vessel operations, navigation, watchkeeping, and emergency response under a range of sea and weather conditions. The advanced technology allows cadets to gain hands-on experience in a safe and controlled setting before serving onboard vessels.
At the Aquatic Centre, trainees undergo swimming and water-safety training, equipping them with essential competencies required for maritime operations and improving their preparedness for emergencies at sea.
Miss Otieno also toured the Maritime Training and Survival Centre, a flagship facility under development that will offer advanced safety and survival training. Once completed, the centre is expected to provide courses in sea-survival techniques, firefighting, personal safety, rescue operations, and emergency response in line with international maritime standards.
The visit underscores the growing importance of strategic partnerships and storytelling in promoting maritime careers, creating awareness of opportunities within the blue economy, and supporting Kenya’s efforts to unlock the full potential of its maritime sector.
Through its world-class training facilities and commitment to developing competent seafarers, Bandari Maritime Academy continues to play a pivotal role in building the human capital required to drive sustainable growth in Kenya’s blue economy.
