By John Ndegwa / BMA
Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) has taken another significant step in advancing Maritime and Blue Economy education in Kenya through a strategic partnership with Ahero Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in Kisumu County.
This milestone was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BMA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana and Ahero VTC Centre Manager Yvone Anyango. The partnership is aimed at strengthening capacity building, skills development and access to quality maritime training within the Lake Basin region.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr. Katana underscored BMA’s commitment to expanding its national footprint through collaborations that promote inclusivity and regional empowerment. He noted that the partnership will play a pivotal role in equipping youth with practical skills aligned to opportunities within the Blue Economy, particularly in inland water transport, fisheries, and maritime logistics.
“This collaboration reflects our broader vision of decentralizing maritime training and ensuring that young people across the country, including those in the Lake Region, can access globally competitive skills that open doors to employment and entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Katana.
On her part, Ms. Anyango welcomed the partnership, terming it a transformative opportunity for Ahero VTC and the surrounding community. She highlighted that the MoU will enhance the institution’s training capacity, expose learners to industry-relevant programs, and create pathways for further professional development in the maritime sector.
“We are proud to partner with Bandari Maritime Academy, a Centre of Excellence in maritime training. This collaboration will empower our trainees with practical competencies that are directly linked to the growing Blue Economy,” Anyango noted.
The partnership is expected to facilitate curriculum development, joint training programs, exchange of expertise and access to specialized maritime equipment and certification courses.
Also present during the signing ceremony were BMA Senior Deputy Director, Corporate Services Evans Oyieyo, Head of Legal Services Lisa Loy and Senior Principal Trainer Maj. (Rtd) Franklyn Toniok. Representing Ahero VTC and the County Government of Kisumu were Board of Governors Member Peter Awuor and Deputy Director, Technical Training Institutes Daniel Okuta.
