By John Ndegwa / BMA
Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) officers participating in the ongoing Mombasa International ASK Show today hosted Kilifi North Member of Parliament and Deputy Majority Leader in the National Assembly, Hon. Owen Baya, at the Academy’s exhibition stand at the Mkomani Showground in Mombasa.
Hon. Baya toured the BMA exhibition stand and familiarized himself with the Academy’s programmes, maritime training facilities, innovations and initiatives aimed at developing a highly skilled maritime workforce for Kenya and the wider region.
The Deputy Majority Leader expressed his appreciation for the Academy’s contribution to maritime education and training, noting the important role BMA plays in equipping young people with skills and competencies required to participate in the growing maritime and blue economy sector.
The visit also provided an opportunity for BMA officers to highlight the Academy’s strategic priorities and its vision of becoming a Centre of Excellence in Shipping, Maritime and Blue Economy Education and Training.
Hon. Baya has been a strong advocate for the Bandari Maritime Academy Bill, 2025, which seeks to provide a strengthened legal and institutional framework for the establishment and operation of the Academy through an Act of Parliament.
The proposed legislation is expected to enhance BMA’s mandate and institutional capacity, strengthen governance and create an enabling framework for the Academy to expand its contribution to maritime human-resource development and Kenya’s blue economy agenda.
The engagement underscores the importance of collaboration between BMA and national leadership in advancing policies and initiatives that support the growth of Kenya’s maritime sector.
BMA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana appreciated Hon. Baya’s continued support for the Academy and its legislative agenda.
Dr. Katana noted that stronger institutional support and an enabling legal framework would position BMA to play an even greater role in producing competent maritime professionals and supporting Kenya’s aspirations of becoming a competitive maritime hub.
The Mombasa International ASK Show provides BMA with an important platform to showcase its mandate, programmes, maritime training opportunities and contribution to the country’s socio-economic development while engaging with members of the public, industry stakeholders, policymakers and prospective trainees.
The Academy’s participation reinforces its commitment to promoting awareness of maritime careers and positioning maritime education and training as a key driver of employment, innovation and sustainable development under Kenya’s Blue Economy agenda.
