Bandari Academy and Utalii College Sign MOU to Foster Collaboration
By Mwakwaya Raymond
Enauil, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Two government institutions have formalised the signing of a transformative memorandum of understanding between Bandari Maritime Academy and Kenya Utalii College.
Dr. Eric Katana, CEO of Bandari Maritime Academy, Peter Muindi, principal and CEO of Kenya Utalii College, and Elwin Mwangi, director of academic affairs witnessed the partnership signing ceremony.
This strategic partnership is set to unlock collaborative synergies and enhance the quality of training and education in the fields of maritime, blue economy, and hospitality.
In his remarks, Dr. Katana said the MOU was significant in advancing shared goals through multiple avenues of collaboration.
The MOU outlines comprehensive initiatives, including the joint use of specialized training facilities and equipment, the development of cutting-edge training curricula, and the reciprocal exchange of trainers, instructors, and students.
“By leveraging these shared resources, the partnership aims to elevate the standards of Maritime and Hospitality education in Kenya and beyond.”
The MOU emphasizes joint capacity-building programs for both staff and students that includes frameworks for collaborative research, professional workshops, seminars, and other key initiatives aimed at strengthening the management and operational expertise in hospitality and maritime sectors.
Muindi, on his part, said the MOU’s relevance was crucial in preparing students for the evolving job market, especially for the upcoming Ronald Ngala Utalii College poised to serve as a pivotal training hub in Coast region and Kenya at large.
According to him the collaboration will equip students with essential skills in maritime and blue economy, thereby widening their career prospects within the cruise ship industry, shipping companies, and related blue economy enterprises.
The MOU signing ceremony was also witnessed by key figures from Bandari Maritime Academy, including Evans Oyieyo, deputy director of corporate services; Said Gongo, head of legal services and corporate secretary; Enock Okemwa, deputy director of maritime transport operations training; and Michael Njogah, principal curriculum development officer.
That presence underscored the collective commitment of both institutions to realize the MOU’s objectives and to drive a unified approach toward enhancing education and training within the hospitality and maritime industries.
