The Mount Kenya University (MKU) Maritime Academy will be receiving its accreditation certificate today (Thursday, September 26), an event that coincides with the World Maritime Day.
The academy will be located in Malindi, a key coastal town in Kenya’s maritime industry as it has a historical link to global seafaring.
Principal Secretary in the State Department of Shipping and Maritime Affairs Kaituko Geoffrey Eyanae will be presiding over the accreditation ceremony.
But why has MKU decided to domicile the maritime academy in Malindi town?
Why Malindi?
The institution is specifically located near the Vasco da Gama Pillar, an iconic monument that stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of maritime exploration and the historic voyages of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.
The pillar was erected in 1498 and it commemorates da Gama’s pioneering journey from Lisbon to India via the Cape of Good Hope (1497-99)
His first visit to Malindi, from April 15 to 24, 1498, marked a significant moment in the Age of Discovery, symbolising the beginning of a new era of global maritime connections.
MKU Maritime Academy, which will be offering state-of-the-art training and educational programs, seeks to build on this rich legacy and provide a safe haven for students seeking a comprehensive, modern maritime education.
Mount Kenya University Malindi Maritime Academy is now established where history meets the future, and the legacy of Vasco da Gama’s maritime achievements continues to inspire and guide the next wave of explorers and maritime experts, in our pursuit of global excellence in education, research, and innovation,” Dr Christopher Mutembei, Centre for Enterprise Development, says.
Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) Director of Education, Training and Labour Captain Peter Munga is urging Kenyans to pursue seafaring careers, because it is an untapped hub for job opportunities.
“there is a sea of opportunities for those keen to join maritime studies to work in both cruise and cargo ships as hospitality, technical or support staff once they are properly trained.”
