MOMBASA, Kenya — Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) and the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) have signed a partnership agreement that will enable maritime cadets to acquire mandatory sea-time experience aboard research vessels, strengthening practical training and supporting Kenya’s Blue Economy agenda.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by Bandari Maritime Academy Chief Executive Officer Dr Eric Katana and KMFRI Director General Dr Paul Orina, will provide cadets with the practical sea experience required for professional certification while deepening collaboration in maritime education, research and capacity building.
The agreement addresses one of the major challenges facing maritime training by giving BMA students access to KMFRI’s research vessels for mandatory sea-time training, allowing them to complement classroom learning with hands-on experience at sea.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr Katana described the partnership as a significant milestone in advancing maritime education in Kenya.
“This Memorandum of Understanding is a major step towards strengthening practical maritime training in Kenya. By providing our cadets with sea time aboard KMFRI vessels, we are ensuring they gain the hands-on experience required to become competent maritime professionals,” he said.
He noted that practical exposure remains a critical component in producing globally competitive seafarers and highlighted the close link between research and training.
“Research and training are inseparable. This partnership will enhance the quality of our maritime programmes and contribute significantly to developing the skilled workforce needed to support the growth of Kenya’s Blue Economy,” Dr Katana added.
KMFRI Director General Dr Paul Orina said the collaboration reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to strengthening Kenya’s maritime sector through innovation, research and human capital development.
“KMFRI and Bandari Maritime Academy operate within the same maritime ecosystem, and this partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to complementing each other’s mandates in research, training and capacity building,” he said.
Dr Orina said the partnership will create meaningful opportunities for aspiring seafarers while addressing the industry’s growing demand for skilled professionals.
“Bandari Maritime Academy has a critical role in producing the skilled human resources required to drive the Blue Economy. Through this collaboration, we are creating meaningful opportunities for cadets to gain practical sea experience while strengthening Kenya’s maritime sector,” he said.
The two institutions said the partnership combines KMFRI’s marine research expertise with Bandari Maritime Academy’s mandate to train world-class seafarers and maritime professionals.
Under the agreement, cadets will receive practical exposure aboard research vessels, helping them meet internationally recognised certification requirements while enhancing their employability in the global maritime industry.
The collaboration also seeks to strengthen joint research, institutional cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two organisations.