Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) on Wednesday graduated 98 students who successfully completed the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Basic Safety and Security Course, marking a major milestone in strengthening Kenya’s maritime workforce and advancing the country’s Blue Economy agenda.
The training programme was conducted through a partnership between BMA, Kenya Utalii College, Tinderet Integrated Technical Training College and Kenya Tourism Board under the sponsorship of the office of Tinderet Member of Parliament, Julius Melly.
BMA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana, in remarks delivered by Senior Deputy Director Maritime Transport Operations Training Mr. Enock Okwema, commended the legislator for creating opportunities for young Kenyans to pursue careers in the maritime sector.
Dr. Katana also lauded Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemoi and the MP for their visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to youth empowerment through skills development and employment creation.
“Your investment in maritime training transcends individual transformation as it strengthens Kenya’s Blue Economy agenda and opens pathways for our young people,” said Dr. Katana.
Dr. Katana noted that completion of the Basic Safety and Security Course equips graduates with internationally recognised safety competencies, enabling them to pursue opportunities in shipping, offshore operations, cruise tourism, port management, logistics and marine services.
“Your entry into this dynamic sector requires internationally recognized safety competencies – a non-negotiable standard that protects lives and upholds global maritime safety, and today you achieved that milestone,” he emphasized.
The STCW course is approved by the International Maritime Organization as the basic safety training requirement for seafarers worldwide. In Kenya, the course serves as the minimum entry qualification for individuals seeking employment aboard ocean-going vessels.
The skills acquired also prepare trainees to respond effectively to emergencies in other water bodies, including lakes.
Tinderet MP Julius Melly applauded Bandari Maritime Academy for its professionalism in conducting the one-week training programme. He encouraged the graduates to uphold the values of hard work, honesty, integrity and faithfulness instilled by the academy.
The legislator further assured the graduates that the government remains committed to supporting Kenyan youth in securing employment opportunities, while urging them to remain patient as efforts continue to create more openings in the maritime sector.
Board Member of Tinderet Integrated Technical Training College, Eng. Julius Tai, described the graduation as one of the institution’s key initiatives aimed at empowering youth through technical and vocational training.
He reaffirmed the college’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Bandari Maritime Academy.
By Sadik Hassan
