MKU installs KES. 30 million bridge simulator to boost maritime training and blue economy skills

From left: KICD CEO Prof. Charles Ochieng Ong’ondo, MKU Founder and Board Chairman Prof. Simon Gicharu, Captain Edwin Kamau, and Mr. Makau wa Mutua, Deputy Director, Maritime Academy, during the commissioning of a Sh. 30 million ship bridge simulator at MKU’s Malindi Maritime Academy in Kilifi County.

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has taken a major step towards strengthening Kenya’s maritime training capacity with the installation of a Sh. 30 million state-of-the-art bridge simulator at its Malindi Maritime Academy.

The modern facility, commissioned recently in Malindi, is designed to replicate real-life ship bridge operations, giving trainees hands-on experience in navigation, vessel handling, safety management and emergency response under varying sea and weather conditions. The simulator is part of MKU’s broader strategy to tap into Kenya’s largely underdeveloped maritime sector and support the country’s Blue Economy agenda.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Malindi Maritime Academy Centre Director Mr. John Njenga Muhia said the new facility will significantly improve the quality of maritime training offered locally.

“The facility will significantly enhance competency-based training and produce graduates who are ready for both local and international maritime jobs,” he said.

Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Charles Ong’ondo, who was the chief guest at the event, said the simulator aligns with the country’s shift towards practical, skills-based learning.

“Facilities like this bridge simulator are critical in ensuring learners acquire hands-on competencies that meet industry demands. We encourage institutions to invest in such infrastructure to support quality training under the competency-based framework,” said Dr. Ong’ondo .

Mr. Muhia noted that MKU is now seeking formal recognition of the Sh. 30 million simulator by relevant regulatory and accreditation bodies to allow it to be fully integrated into certified maritime training programmes.

“Our goal is to have this simulator recognised as a standard training facility so that our cadets can train locally and be competitive globally. This investment demonstrates MKU’s commitment to the Blue Economy and to producing highly skilled maritime professionals,” he said.

The installation includes advanced Wärtsilä navigational simulators, regarded as market-leading solutions in maritime training. The simulators offer highly realistic training experiences across a wide range of maritime scenarios, allowing trainees to interact with authentic equipment replicas in both classroom and immersive virtual environments. The technology is designed to meet the demands of a rapidly digitising global maritime industry.

“At MKU Maritime Academy, the installation of these simulators aligns perfectly with the institution’s commitment to providing world-class education and producing graduates who are fully prepared for international maritime standards,” Mr. Muhia added.

The Malindi Maritime Academy is strategically positioned to support national priorities in shipping, port services and marine logistics, while reducing the high cost of training Kenyan seafarers abroad. MKU has reaffirmed that all its maritime programmes are aligned with KICD standards and national education policies, as the university continues to invest heavily in modern training infrastructure.

In November last year, MKU further strengthened its maritime education agenda by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy. The agreement was signed by MKU Founder and Chairman Prof. Simon Gicharu and Dr Yasser Al Wahedi, President of Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy.

“This partnership underscores MKU’s commitment to providing world-class maritime education and positioning Kenya as a leader in the Blue Economy,” Prof. Gicharu said. “By working with Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, we will equip our students with the skills and expertise required to thrive in the international maritime industry.”

Mr. Muhia said the collaboration will facilitate knowledge exchange, curriculum development, internships and advanced training programmes for seafarers, engineers and maritime experts, skills that are increasingly in demand globally due to a shortage of qualified maritime personnel.

Kenya’s strategic location along the Indian Ocean places the country at the heart of regional and international maritime activity. The MKU Maritime Academy in Malindi serves both local and international students, offering specialised programmes aligned with global standards, while opening opportunities for joint research, faculty exchange and industry internships.

Since its inception, the MKU Maritime Academy has trained numerous seafarers and continues to expand its course offerings, from basic Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) courses to more advanced and competitive maritime programmes. The university says the latest investment reflects its dedication to innovation, excellence in education, and contribution to Kenya’s economic growth and sustainable development goals.