MKU’s Malindi Maritime Academy receives accreditation from the state
The government is appealing to universities, industry players, and communities to come together and partner with the State so as to prepare the next generation of maritime professionals and create jobs for the youth.
The Principal Secretary, State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Mining, Blue economy and Maritime affairs, Geoffrey Kaituko, says the maritime industry is an integral part of the global economy, and it is evolving rapidly with new technologies, regulations, and opportunities.
“To be competitive in this space, we need to work collaboratively,” he said.
The PS said the government has already cultivated excellent partnerships over the past few years with international shipping lines, global maritime organisations, and other maritime nations. “These partnerships are designed to provide our maritime students with the critical sea time they need for their training and eventual certification,” he said.
He was speaking during the award of accreditation of Mount Kenya University (MKU)’s new Malindi Maritime Academy by the Kenya Maritime Authority in Malindi town.
“As we mark World Maritime Day, the theme for this year, “Navigating the Future Together,” could not be more relevant to our gathering. We are not only celebrating MKU’s commitment to advancing maritime education but also a significant step towards positioning Kenya as a global leader in the blue economy,” he added.
Kaituko said one of the biggest challenges for maritime graduates globally is securing sea time, a prerequisite for professional qualification.
“Through our collaborations with Germany, Japan, South Korea, China, and other major maritime nations, we have secured agreements that will allow Kenyan cadets, including those graduating from institutions like this academy, to undergo their sea-time training on international vessels,” he noted.
Dr. Vincent Gaitho, Chairman, University Council at MKU said the momentous occasion marks not only the expansion of the institution’s educational horizons, but also underscores MKU’s commitment to positioning Kenya as a global leader in maritime education and training.
“Just as Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama once navigated uncharted waters, we embark on a new journey to navigate the future of maritime education, innovation, and economic empowerment,” he said.
Dr. Gaitho said the state-of-the-art facilities, including cutting-edge simulators and advanced training infrastructure, are designed to provide world-class Maritime Education and Training.
“We commit and strive to continuously offer internationally accredited programs which are meticulously crafted to meet the global demand for qualified seafarers and maritime professionals, ensuring our graduates are equipped to excel in a competitive international maritime sector,” he added.
The chairman said the new Malindi Maritime Academy is strategically established to address this challenge by creating a direct pathway to high-demand careers in the maritime sector.
“The global shortage of qualified maritime professionals presents a significant opportunity for Kenya to supply the workforce the world urgently needs,” he said.
The university has incorporated German and Korean languages courses into its curriculum and many others will be added in the future. These languages are pivotal in regions with high demand for maritime professionals, such as Germany and South Korea. 
“I am honored to hand over the facility to our esteemed Vice-Chancellor and the university administration. I have full confidence in the leadership and dedication of our Vice-Chancellor and management team to utilize this facility to its fullest potential, driving initiatives that will create meaningful employment opportunities and harness the vast potential of the maritime industry,” he said.
Dr Gaitho challenged the university’s administrators to ensure a total growth of the campus into a dynamic platform for job creation.
“Beyond providing exceptional education, let this institution be a catalyst for economic growth by fostering partnerships with industry stakeholders, encouraging entrepreneurial ventures among graduates, and spearheading research and innovation in maritime technologies,” he added.
On his part, MKU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, said the institution has also been accredited to offer Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) courses.
“These internationally recognized courses will form the foundation of the global maritime training, ensuring that seafarers meet the highest standards of safety, competence, and professionalism,” he noted.
He assured Kenynas that MKU is committed to developing professionals who are versatile and well-rounded.
“Whether it is training of the cadets to navigate the seas or preparing engineers to maintain the vessels that keep global trade moving, we are dedicated to delivering programs that address every aspect of this complex and essential industry,” he said.
“MKU, through the Malindi Maritime Academy, shall strive to produce top-tier maritime professionals who are ready to make a great contribution within the industry, both nationally and internationally in line with the global Goals,” he concluded.
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