By John Ndegwa / BMA
Over 20 members of the Save Lamu Organization on Wednesday visited the Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) for a familiarization tour aimed at strengthening collaboration and enhancing Maritime training opportunities for youth from Lamu County.
The delegation led by Save Lamu Chairman Somo Mohamed was warmly received by the Academy’s Deputy Director for Maritime Education and Training, Chief Eng. Titus Kilonzi, together with Maj. (Rtd) Frankline Toniok, Senior Principal Trainer in Nautical Science.
In his welcoming remarks, Eng. Kilonzi reaffirmed BMA’s commitment to supporting national, regional, and community-driven efforts to build a skilled Maritime workforce capable of driving Kenya’s Blue Economy agenda.
Maj. (Rtd) Toniok delivered an extensive presentation on the Academy’s mandate, academic programs, professional short courses, Maritime safety and security training, industry partnerships, and modern training facilities including simulators and practical Maritime equipment. The delegation was later taken on a guided tour across the institution.
Speaking during the visit, Chairman Somo Mohamed emphasized that the familiarization tour was crucial in raising awareness among Save Lamu members about the training and career prospects available at BMA.
“Our goal is to understand the courses offered here so that we can sponsor and encourage students from Lamu County to pursue Maritime studies. With major Maritime activities taking place along our coastline, it is important that young people acquire the right skills to benefit from emerging opportunities,” Mohamed said.
He added that the organization looks forward to collaborating with BMA in community empowerment, career guidance, and scholarship initiatives targeting coastal youth.
