Bandari Maritime Academy CEO, Dr. Eric Katana, alongside the Academy’s top management team, had the honour of hosting members of the Parliamentary Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers, led by Chairperson Hon. Lydia Haika, during an official inspection tour of the Academy’s facilities.
In a comprehensive presentation, Dr. Katana outlined the Academy’s major milestones, success stories and its pivotal role as a Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Blue Economy education and training. He showcased the institution’s strategic partnerships, ongoing infrastructure projects and efforts to align its training with international maritime standards.
Dr. Katana also brought to the fore some of the pressing challenges faced by Kenyan seafarers and cadets, particularly those relating to onboard training and sea time experience. Among the key concerns raised were the delays in the issuance of the Seafarers Identification Document (SID) and the need for wider international recognition of Kenyan seafarers’ certifications.
Hon. Lydia Haika commended the Bandari Maritime Academy management for their commendable work in advancing Maritime training and skills development in Kenya. She affirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting the institution and pledged to work closely with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to resolve the challenges facing the Academy, its students and the broader Maritime workforce.
The committee further promised to fast-track the Bandari Maritime Academy Bill currently before Parliament, a crucial legislative step that will strengthen the institution’s legal and operational framework. Additionally, the committee assured BMA of its support in lobbying for increased financial allocation, particularly towards the completion of the Maritime Survival Training and Certification Centre currently under construction.
This high-level engagement signals a renewed national commitment to empowering maritime education and positioning Kenya as a regional leader in the blue economy.
