By John Ndegwa / BMA
Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) made a strong impact at the 3rd Edition of the Innovation and Business Summit 2025, held in Kilifi town, Kilifi County, by showcasing its wide range of Maritime and Blue Economy courses to hundreds of youth, women, innovators, and key stakeholders.
Under the visionary leadership of Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Eric Katana, BMA reaffirmed its commitment to taking Maritime education and training closer to the people, empowering local communities, and creating pathways for meaningful careers in the shipping and Blue Economy sectors.
The two-day summit brought together government officials, innovators, entrepreneurs, academia, and private sector leaders to explore transformative ideas for sustainable economic development. Key discussions centered on youth empowerment, women participation, research, and innovation as crucial drivers of the Blue Economy.
Speaking during the summit, Stanley Chai, Advisor on Blue Economy in the Executive Office of the President, emphasized the government’s dedication to strengthening Blue Economy initiatives, noting their potential to create jobs and boost Kenya’s GDP.
Hon. Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, underscored the importance of research and innovation in empowering youth and women, calling on institutions to leverage science and technology to develop practical solutions for Kenya’s socio-economic challenges.
Kilifi County Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa praised the collaborative spirit of the summit, lauding its role in nurturing local talent, spurring entrepreneurship, and positioning Kilifi as a regional hub for innovation and economic transformation. She reiterated the county’s commitment to support initiatives that drive economic empowerment and knowledge-based growth.
