Rwandan students and even professionals who want to pursue maritime careers no longer need to travel outside East Africa for the relevant training. They now can train at Mount Kenya University’s (MKU’s) Maritime Academy in Malindi, says a don.
Mount Kigali University Vice-Chancellor Dr Martin Kimemia said MKU has brought world-class maritime training to this region, and which East African citizens should take advantage of. Dr Kimemia said prospective students should take note of three things. One, the global maritime industry has a shortage of 26,000 skilled professionals. The global demand for certified seafarers continues to rise due to the growth of maritime activities and the increased reliance on shipping for global trade.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) projects a persistent shortage of skilled seafarers, making maritime training a strategic necessity worldwide. Two, the MKU Maritime Academy, Malindi, meets Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) requirements.
Three, the academy has invested heavily in appropriate infrastructure and equipment, including cutting-edge simulators, making learning practical and relevant. "On top of that, the training is conducted by experienced faculty knowledgeable about maritime operations and affairs,” said Kimemia.
The MKU Maritime Academy is accredited by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) to offer programmes that meet international maritime standards, opening doors for students to pursue successful careers in the maritime industry worldwide. Dr Kimemia revealed that MKU’s decision to start with a Bachelor’s in Nautical Science and a Bachelor’s in Marine Engineering programmes was driven by the growing demand for seafarers and maritime engineers worldwide.
Then there are the STCW courses, which are specialised training programmes designed for maritime professionals. These courses ensure that individuals meet the global standards for safety, emergency response, and operation of vessels, as set by IMO. By undergoing STCW training, seafarers are equipped with the necessary skills to perform their duties effectively and safely at sea. Since the maritime industry offers diverse job opportunities, the skills acquired at the academy will directly translate into well-paying and fulfilling careers.
Kimemia pointed out that the academy has achieved a significant milestone by acquiring state-of-the-art simulators from a Finland-based firm, Wartsila. It is the first non-governmental higher education in this region to acquire these advanced pieces of equipment.
Kimemia said: "These game-changing simulators will facilitate comprehensive, hands-on training for maritime students, ensuring compliance with both International Maritime Organization (IMO) and STCW requirements.”
The new simulators are equipped to deliver practical training in key areas such as Rules of the Road (ROR), RADAR/Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARAPA), and Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). These systems are critical for modern marine voyage planning and monitoring, providing students with essential skills for safe and efficient navigation in today’s maritime industry.
In addition to navigation training, the simulators will introduce students to crucial ship-handling techniques and marine communication skills, helping them to confidently operate in complex maritime environments. The focus on both technical and operational aspects ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the maritime sector, whether in merchant shipping, offshore industries, or other related fields.
In the past, East African seafarers seeking advanced STCW certification had to travel abroad to countries with well-established maritime academies, mostly in Asia. Seafarers from this region can now attain the Advanced STCW qualifications without travelling outside the region, drastically easing the financial constraint and logistical complications associated with pursuing the courses abroad.
By offering internationally recognised certifications, the academy will enable regional seafarers to meet the rigorous global standards required for serving on various types of vessels. Kimemia pointed out that the academy will provide revalidation and revitalisation courses for mariners who need to renew their existing certifications.
International regulations often require mariners to reskill to remain competent in operating ships safely, preventing accidents, and protecting the marine environment. He added that he expects to see Rwandans grab the opportunity to join the maritime industry by seeking certified training at the academy located in Kenya’s coastal town of Malindi. "We have over the years seen Rwandan citizens travelling to the MKU campus in Thika, Kenya to train in health sciences such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, laboratory technology, and public health among others,” observed Kimemia. He added: "We wouldn’t be surprised to see Rwandans travelling to Malindi for seafaring training.”