The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA), Eng. Lunganzi Chai Mangale, together with BMA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Eric Katana, today hosted a delegation from the Parliamentary Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure for a facility tour.
The delegation was led by its chairperson, George Karuiki, Member of Parliament for Ndia Constituency, alongside the Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Mr. Abdi Millah.
The committee toured key training facilities at the academy, including: Full Bridge Mission Simulator – used to train cadets in navigation and ship handling, Gantry Cargo Simulator – designed to replicate port cargo operations, and the Maritime Survival Training and Certification Centre – the flagship project currently under construction.
In his remarks, Eng. Lunga’nzi urged the committee to invest in the academy, emphasizing its role in delivering quality education to young Kenyans and unlocking opportunities in the blue economy. He highlighted the immense job potential in maritime industries and called for sustained government support.
Dr. Katana reaffirmed the academy’s commitment to industry-based training and appealed for investment in advanced teaching technologies and software to align with global maritime standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
He noted that once the Maritime Survival Training and Certification Centre is completed, Kenya will be positioned as a regional hub for maritime training.
PS Abdi Millah emphasized the government’s support for the institution, while the Chairman of the Committee, MP George Karuiki, insisted on the need for the government to invest in the academy to remain competitive in the East African Region.
The visit underscored the academy’s role in preparing Kenya’s workforce for the shipping and logistics sector. By equipping students with practical skills, Bandari Maritime Academy is set to strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness in international maritime trade and safety standards.
The BMA management team present were Deputy Director Corporate Services CPA Evans Oyieyo, Deputy Director Registrar Dr. Irene Mugo, Senior Deputy Director Maritime Transport Operations Training Mr. Enock Mong’are Okwema, Deputy Director, Supply Chain Management Mr. Samson Chira Murigia, and Senior Deputy Director Internal Audit Mr. John Mogwambo.
