Maritime Academy commissions Sh30m ship simulator in Malindi

Maritime Academy commissions Sh30m ship simulator in Malindi

Mount Kenya University (MKU)’s Malindi Maritime Academy has boosted

Kenya’s maritime training capacity with the installation of a modern bridge

simulator facility valued at Sh30 million, as the institution intensifies efforts to

tap into the largely underdeveloped maritime sector.

The high-tech simulator is designed to replicate real-life ship bridge operations,

offering trainees practical exposure in navigation, vessel handling, safety

management and emergency response under varying sea and weather

conditions. “The facility will significantly enhance competency-based training

and produce graduates who are ready for both local and international maritime

jobs,” says Mr John Njenga Muhia, Centre Director, Malindi Maritime

Academy.

Speaking during the commissioning, Kenya Institute of Curriculum

Development (KICD) Chief Executive Officer Dr Charles Ong’ondo 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 said the university is pushing for the Sh30 million simulator to be

formally recognised 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.

In an exciting leap towards revolutionizing maritime training in Kenya, the

Academy in Malindi is now equipped with state-of-the-art Wärtsilä navigational

simulators. These simulators represent the pinnacle of maritime simulation

technology, designed to meet the evolving needs of a rapidly digitizing industry

and preparing the next generation of seafarers for the complexities of modern

maritime operations.

Malindi Maritime Academy is strategically positioned to support national

priorities in shipping, port services and marine logistics, while reducing the cost

of training Kenyan seafarers abroad. The university has reaffirmed that its

programmes are aligned with KICD standards and national education policies,

as it continues to invest in modern training facilities to strengthen skills

development across all levels of education.

Wärtsilä’s navigational simulators are market-leading solutions, engineered to

offer high-quality, highly realistic training experiences. These advanced

simulators cover a broad spectrum of maritime scenarios, ensuring that trainees

receive hands-on, practical experience with authentic equipment replicas. From

traditional classroom environments to immersive virtual reality experiences,

these simulators offer unmatched flexibility for instructors and students alike.

“At MKU Maritime Academy, the installation of these simulators aligns

perfectly with the institution’s commitment to providing world-class education,

producing graduates who are fully prepared for international maritime

standards,” Mr Muhia said.

In November last year, MKU signed a landmark Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, marking a

significant step toward strengthening maritime education and training in Kenya.

This partnership will enhance the capacity of MKU’s Maritime Academy in

Malindi to meet the growing global demand for skilled maritime professionals.

The MOU was signed by MKU Founder, 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,”

said Prof. Simon Gicharu, Chairman and Founder Mount Kenya University.

“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,” he added.

Through this collaboration, MKU aims to play a pivotal role in supporting

Kenya’s broader vision to harness the full potential of the Blue Economy. “The

MoU will facilitate knowledge exchange, curriculum development, internships

and advanced training programs for seafarers, engineers and maritime

experts—professions that are critically needed to address the global shortage of

maritime personnel,” said Mr Muhia.

Kenya’s strategic location along the Indian Ocean positions the country as a

natural hub for maritime activity. The MKU Maritime Academy in Malindi is

strategically located to serve both local and international students, offering

specialized programs that align with global standards. The collaboration will

also open doors for joint research, faculty exchange, and internship

opportunities, ensuring graduates are industry-ready.

This initiative reflects MKU’s dedication to innovation and excellence in

education, while contributing to Kenya’s economic growth and sustainable

development goals. Since its inception MKU maritime Academy has trained

many seafarers and have continuously added their programmes from offering

Basic STCW course to offering more advanced and competitive courses.

Ends

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