Pomp, colour and buoyancy as MKU Maritime Academy receives certificate of accreditation

The Mount Kenya University (MKU) Maritime Academy, located in Malindi town, on Thursday, September 26 received its certificate of accreditation from the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA).

Principal Secretary in the State Department of Shipping and Maritime Affairs Kaituko Geoffrey Eyanae presided over the ceremony that brought together stakeholders from both the government as well as private sector.

The Chairman of the University Council Dr. Vincent Gaitho receives the Certificate of Approval from Captain Peter Munga of Kenya Maritime Authority
#MKUMaritimeAcademy pic.twitter.com/CXGo1PyPW7
— MountKenyaUniversity (@MountKenyaUni) September 26, 2024

Speaking during the ceremony, MKU Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi said that the academy represents the collective commitment by Mount Kenya University in advancing of maritime education, research, and innovation in Kenya and outside the national borders.

“Today, we not only celebrate the opening of this academy but also the accreditation of Mount Kenya University to offer Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) courses. This marks a significant internationalization achievement for us as a university.” – Prof. Jaganyi said.

On her part, area MP Amina Mnyazi lauded MKU for initiating a tailor-made institution that will directly benefit the people of Coastal region, terming the academy “the best thing that has happened to the Constituency.”

Captain Peter Munga, the Director of Maritime Education Training and Labour at KMA, said: “A year ago we had students travel away from Kenya for some type of training but now look at what we have here! State of the Art Facility!”

Kilifi County Woman Rep Gertrude Mbeyu pledged to mobilise students in her county to register for maritime courses in the academy.

“I’m so happy for MKU, welcome to Kilifi County, welcome to Malindi. Kuanzia kesho mimi tayari nitajaza forms, najua kule nitawatoa wanafunzi hawa,” she declared, amid cheers from the attendants.

PS Eyanae insisted that the government will support the maritime academy to ensure its success.

“It is our policy as government to support all training institutions that offering maritime courses, whether they are public or private. I want to thank Dr. Christopher Mutembei and Prof. Simon Gicharu for his commitment to ensuring that as many Kenyans as possible are able to access (maritime) education here at home,” he said. “Mimi kama PS ntahakikisha kwamba I will support you, 100% , hata mkitaka 150% I will support you.”