By John Ndegwa / BMA
More than 300 young people from Bamburi Ward in Kisauni Constituency, Mombasa County, have been equipped with critical knowledge to make informed career choices following a comprehensive sensitization program on opportunities within the Maritime and Blue Economy sector.
The three-day engagement, held under the Bamburi Hope Forum initiative and coordinated by Bamburi Ward Member of County Assembly, Mombasa County (MCA) Hon. Patrick Mbelle, brought together key stakeholders to inspire and guide youth towards viable career pathways.
Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA), under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana, reaffirmed its commitment to community outreach and youth empowerment by actively participating in the forum. The BMA team, led by Marine Engineer Trainer Julius Mshilla and Customer Care Relations Officer Getrude Chao, conducted informative sessions highlighting the diverse academic and professional opportunities available at the Academy.
Participants were sensitized on BMA’s flagship programmes, including Diplomas and Certificates in Nautical Science, Marine Engineering and Maritime Transport and Logistics, as flexible modular courses tailored to meet industry demands. Additionally, the youth were introduced to a wide range of short courses such as Forklift Operations, Terminal Tractor Driving, Gantry Crane Cargo Simulation, Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), Coxswain training and Passenger Ship Crowd Management.
The sessions also emphasized the vast employment prospects within the Blue Economy, a sector increasingly recognized as a key driver of economic growth both locally and globally. Youth were encouraged to pursue maritime-related careers, which offer opportunities in shipping, port operations, logistics, marine engineering and offshore services.
Hon. Patrick Mbelle underscored the importance of the initiative, noting that the program was designed to expose young people to emerging sectors and empower them with the knowledge needed to make strategic career decisions.
“This forum aims to enlighten our youth on the untapped potential within the Maritime and Blue Economy sector, enabling them to pursue careers that can transform their lives and contribute to national development,” said Mbelle.
