By John Ndegwa / BMA
Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) and Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) have today jointly launched a comprehensive training framework targeting the Great Lakes region, in a major boost to youth empowerment within the Blue Economy sector.
The initiative aims to equip over 17,000 young people drawn from five Lake Region counties which are Kisumu County, Migori County, Homa Bay County, Siaya County and Busia County with critical maritime and vocational skills.
The trainees are fully sponsored by the Government of Kenya through the Kenya Lake Victoria Maritime Communication and Transport Project (KLVMCTP), an initiative spearheaded by KMA to enhance safety, connectivity, and economic opportunities across the Lake Victoria basin.
Representing BMA CEO Dr. Eric Katana, Senior Principal Nautical Science Trainer Maj (Rtd) Frankylne Toniok pointed that under the framework, BMA will be coordinating the implementation of the training programmes in collaboration with regional training institutions, ensuring standardized delivery and quality assurance across all participating centres.
The training will cover a diverse range of courses aligned to maritime operations and hospitality services, including Coxswains, Ratings as Able Seafarer (Deck and Engine), tailoring, housekeeping and accommodation, food and beverage and engine mechanics.
