By John Ndegwa/ BMA
Marine Engineering and Nautical Science training at Bandari Maritime Academy is set to reach new heights following the acquisition of advanced training equipment from the Kenya Navy.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on behalf of Bandari Maritime Academy CEO, Dr. Eric Katana, the Deputy Director of Corporate Services, Evans Oyieyo, emphasized the significance of the equipment for cadet training.
“For the cadets at the Academy, this means more than just seeing equipment — it means touching, operating, and mastering the very systems they will encounter at sea,” he said.
He further noted that this development empowers cadets to build confidence in their skills, better understand the realities of Maritime operations and prepare to join the industry as competent, safety-conscious, and job-ready seafarers.
In a message delivered on his behalf, Dr. Katana stated that the new training aids will enhance the Academy’s training capacity, strengthen its position as a regional Centre of Excellence in Maritime Education and support Kenya’s broader vision of becoming a leading maritime nation.
He also lauded the collaboration between Kenya Defence Forces and national training institutions, noting that the Kenya Navy has long been a steadfast partner in the development of the maritime sector.
“This donation is yet another testament to our enduring partnership and the synergy that exists between the Kenya Navy and Bandari Maritime Academy,” Dr. Katana remarked.
The equipment was handover by Kenya Navy Deputy Commander BRIG. John Kiswaa.
The equipment donated includes Marine engines, a navigation radar set, a propeller, anchoring gear, and other essential ship components — all of which are expected to play a transformative role in training.
These resources will provide hands-on learning experiences that mirror real-world shipboard operations, effectively bridging the gap between classroom theory and practical competency — a key pillar of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET).
Other BMA representatives were: Deputy Director Maritime Education and Training Chief Engineer Titus Kilonzi, Academy registrar Dr. Irene Mugo, Deputy Director Maritime Transport and Logistics Training Enock Okemwa, Principal Nautical Science Maj. (RTD) Franklyn Toniok and Partnership and Resource mobilization Fatma Mzee while Kenya Navy representatives were: Commander Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe, Brigadier William Kiprotich, Chief of Personnel Kenya Navy, Colonel James Hirbo, Chief of Operations Kenya Navy, Colonel Philip Mulumba
