Ms Joyce Kaburu, MKU Maritime Academy manager (left) interacts with H.E. Henriette Geiger, Ambassador of the European Union to Kenya, during the Blue Economy Summit 2025 held in Mombasa.
MKU Maritime Academy shines at blue economy summit
Mount Kenya University (MKU) Maritime Academy successfully participated in the Blue Economy Innovation and Investment Summit 2025, a three-day event held from September 24th to 26th, 2025 at PrideInn Paradise Hotel in Mombasa.
The summit was designed to unlock Africa’s aquatic potential through innovation, investment and collaboration. It spotlighted opportunities in blue investments and ocean technology, climate resilience and circular economy, sustainable fisheries and blue agriculture, renewable energy and eco-tourism as well as waste management and governance frameworks.
MKU Maritime Academy hosted H.E. Henriette Geiger, Ambassador of the European Union to Kenya, at their exhibition stand. The event attracted distinguished delegates, including ambassadors, Principal Secretaries, H.E. Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, Governor of Mombasa County, CEOs and senior policymakers.
On Thursday, September 25, 2025, summit participants joined the global community in celebrating World Maritime Day, held under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”. It brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and international partners.
MKU Maritime Academy joined other stakeholders at the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) in an event graced by Mr Julius Migos Ogamba, Cabinet Secretary for Education.
The CS was welcomed by Prof. Evans Kerosi, MKU Executive director, alongside representatives from Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards and Kenya Meat Commission. Delegates from the Technical University of Mombasa, Bandari Maritime Academy and Kenya Coast National Polytechnic also attended the event.
CS Migos announced plans to commence training at the new Kenya Coast National Polytechnic, Kwale Campus. “This college will provide a state-of-the-art learning environment tailored to the unique needs of maritime training. It will offer comprehensive programs in marine transport, port logistics, onboard operations, equipping our youth with the skills and competencies needed to excel in the industry,” he said.
He said the event was not just an exhibition, but a strategic platform for dialogue, networking, and aligning training with industry needs. “Together, we can ensure our graduates are job-ready and able to meaningfully contribute to the maritime industry’s growth,” he added.
The CS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in education, infrastructure, and youth empowerment, positioning Kenya as a leader in maritime innovation across Africa.
Mr Ahmed Kolosh, chairman of KMA, highlighted the authority’s achievements and future ambitions in strengthening Kenya’s maritime sector. “KMA is entrusted with the vital mandate of regulating, coordinating, and overseeing maritime affairs within Kenya’s coastal and inland waters. In fulfilling this responsibility, we have made remarkable strides,” he said.
Kolosh said that Kenya, with support from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has developed a National Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships and conducted feasibility studies on e-fuel production and the establishment of a Green Shipping Corridor.
Through the EU-funded Go Blue Project, KMA has also acquired five modern search and rescue vessels, significantly boosting the nation’s capacity to respond to emergencies along its coast.
The state department for science, research and innovation Principal Secretary, Prof Shaukhat Abdulrazak reiterated the government’s commitment to transform blue economy research into commercially viable ventures. He called for a unified approach between the government, academia, innovators, and development partners in order to harness the blue economy potential.
“The Kenya National Research Fund and other government agencies are ready to support innovations. But these innovations must have a tangible impact on society. We must connect research with commercialization,” he said.
Mr Omae Nyarandi, Director General of the KMA, underscored Kenya’s rising profile in the global maritime arena. “Over the years, we have streamlined licensing and certification processes, improved emergency response, and promoted sustainable opportunities for socio-economic growth,” Nyarandi said.
Acknowledging the day, Bandari Maritime Academy Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana reaffirmed the Academy’s dedication to Maritime education and training excellence. He emphasized that BMA remains steadfast in its mission to build capacity for the Maritime and Blue Economy sectors through internationally compliant training programs and strategic partnerships.
International partners at the event included the Royal Danish Embassy, SIMAC Training and GIZ-TVETA. Leading maritime companies including Maersk, CMA-CGM, Kenya National Shipping Line, Express Shipping Line, and Bahri Ship Management also joined in the celebrations that also marked the first anniversary of MKU Maritime Academy’s accreditation by KMA.
Since its inception, the MKU Maritime Academy has grown from offering its flagship Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Basic Training to over 12 specialized programs that boost its graduates’ global job competitiveness. Through these programs, MKU Maritime graduates now meet the mandatory requirements for joining marine vessels, significantly enhancing their job competitiveness in the global maritime sector.
Located in the historic Malindi town, the academy opened at the opportune time when the government has embraced the blue economy and maritime affairs with heavy infrastructural developments to facilitate maritime trade development, maritime safety and security, maritime education and labour.
The summit culminated in an awards ceremony recognizing top innovators in the blue economy space where Best Blue Tech Innovation Startup went to Junichi Taniguchi of Japan. “Let us work together to chart a new course for Kenya’s maritime sector one characterized by excellence, inclusivity, and sustainable progress,” said CS Migos in his closing remarks.
Ends
About The Author
