A New Dawn for Maritime Excellence in East Africa
Officials cut a ribbon to launch the Mombasa Maritime Resource Centre at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) (Photo/ Courtesy)
By Andrew Mwangura
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
The launch of the Mombasa Maritime Resource Centre at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) represents more than an institutional milestone—it signals Kenya’s commitment to reclaiming its rightful position as a maritime powerhouse in the Indian Ocean region.
This collaborative initiative between TUM’s Institute of Maritime and Seafaring Studies and the Association of Maritime Practitioners Kenya (AMPK) arrives at a crucial time when global shipping demands skilled professionals and Kenya’s blue economy strategy requires robust educational infrastructure.
The maritime industry has long been the backbone of global trade, with over 90% of international commerce carried by sea.
Yet Africa, despite its extensive coastline and strategic position along major shipping routes, has historically lagged in producing maritime professionals.
The continent often relies heavily on foreign expertise, creating a skills gap that the Mombasa Maritime Resource Centre is uniquely positioned to address.
Drawing inspiration from successful maritime education models worldwide, the Centre can learn valuable lessons from institutions like the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s training programs, which have transformed Singapore into a global maritime hub through comprehensive education and industry partnerships.
Similarly, the Netherlands’ Maritime University demonstrates how academic excellence combined with practical training creates world-class maritime professionals.
From the global South, Ghana’s Regional Maritime University has shown how African institutions can excel in maritime education by focusing on regional needs while maintaining international standards.
Captain Suleiman Bakari’s emphasis on Kenya’s rich maritime heritage resonates deeply with the potential this Centre holds.
The East African coast has been a maritime crossroads for centuries, from the ancient trade routes connecting Africa, Arabia, and Asia to modern port operations in Mombasa.
This historical foundation provides a cultural and practical understanding of maritime operations that, when combined with modern education, creates a powerful platform for excellence.
Professor Peter Gichangi’s acknowledgment of AMPK’s partnership highlights a critical success factor—industry-academia collaboration.
The world’s leading maritime education institutions thrive because they maintain strong connections with shipping companies, port authorities, and maritime service providers.
This ensures curricula remain relevant, students gain practical experience, and graduates transition seamlessly into professional roles. The Resource Centre must continue fostering these partnerships to maximize its impact.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Laila Abubakar’s vision of shaping future maritime professionals through comprehensive resources aligns with global best practices.
Modern maritime education requires access to current publications, digital simulation tools, regulatory updates, and research databases.
The Centre’s commitment to providing these resources positions TUM students to compete globally while addressing local maritime challenges.
For students, the Resource Centre offers unprecedented opportunities to excel in maritime careers. They should actively engage with the facility’s resources, participate in industry events, and seek mentorship from seasoned professionals like Captain Talib Mohammed and the AMPK leadership.
Building networks within the maritime community will prove invaluable for career advancement. Students should also focus on developing both technical competencies and soft skills, as modern maritime operations require professionals who can navigate complex international regulations, manage multicultural crews, and adapt to rapidly evolving technologies.
Researchers have a unique opportunity to contribute to maritime knowledge while addressing regional challenges. The Centre should facilitate research into sustainable shipping practices, port efficiency, maritime security, and blue economy initiatives.
Collaboration with international research institutions can amplify the impact of local research efforts and attract global attention to East African maritime scholarship.
Seafarers, both current and aspiring, can utilize the centre for continuous professional development. The maritime industry constantly evolves with new regulations, technologies, and safety protocols.
Regular access to updated materials and training resources will help seafarers maintain competitiveness in the global job market while ensuring safe and efficient operations.
The success of the Mombasa Maritime Resource Centre will depend on sustained commitment from all stakeholders. AMPK and TUM must continue their collaborative efforts, regularly updating resources and expanding partnerships.
The maritime industry should actively support the Centre through internships, guest lectures, and research funding. Government support through policy frameworks and financial backing will ensure long-term sustainability.
As the Centre opens its doors to students, staff, seafarers, and researchers, it carries the hopes of a nation ready to harness its maritime potential.
This initiative represents more than educational infrastructure—it embodies Kenya’s determination to build indigenous maritime expertise, support economic growth through the blue economy, and contribute meaningfully to global maritime excellence.
The new chapter Professor Laila envisions has begun, and its success will ripple across East Africa’s maritime landscape for generations to come.
The writer is a policy analyst specializing in maritime governance and blue economy development.
