The new Bandari Maritime Academy, previously Bandari College, is a centre of excellence in maritime training and was established as part of ongoing reforms in the maritime transport industry in the country.
Through the academy, the Government aims at bridging the huge shortage of qualified seafarers in Kenya and the region to meet the needs of the emerging blue economy sector.
Bandari Maritime Academy will provide advanced education and training to appropriately-qualified candidates, leading to the award of diplomas and certificates and other such qualifications.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has ordered for the restructuring of Bandari Maritime Academy as it takes new roles after partnering with the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
The President asked Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) managing director Daniel Manduku to resolve pending staff issues and immediately to motivate staff and ensure the academy works independently.
“We understand there are pending issues which need to be addressed as Bandari College changes to Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA). I ask MD KPA to work out those issues to ensure there is seamless transition,” said the President.
Speaking after commissioning the BMA in Mombasa, Mr Kenyatta said the new institution will offer more courses recognised internationally and create more jobs following partnership with the MSC and Utalii college.
“We will continue investing more to ensure we build our maritime sector and through this, hundreds of youth will be employed by international shipping lines due to intensive training they will undergo at Bandari Academy,” said the President.
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