Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) hosted a one-day Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Open Day at its Amphitheater yesterday. The event offered students a valuable opportunity to interact with industry leaders and explore career prospects in the shipping sector.
Established as a premier maritime training institution, BMA plays a pivotal role in equipping professionals with globally competitive skills in maritime transport, logistics, and related fields. The academy, a successor to the Bandari College, has been instrumental in supporting Kenya’s Blue Economy strategy through specialized training programs aligned with international standards.
The ICS, a globally recognized professional body for shipbrokers, managers, and agents, is dedicated to promoting high standards of professional service in the shipping industry. Its presence at the Open Day underscored the importance of industry-academia partnerships in shaping the next generation of maritime professionals.
In his welcoming remarks, BMA CEO Dr. Eric Katana reaffirmed the academy’s commitment to delivering world-class maritime education and preparing students for the evolving demands of the global shipping industry.
“As we guide and mentor our aspiring shipbrokers and maritime professionals, I urge all young practitioners to embrace discipline, resilience, and continuous learning. Success in the shipping industry demands technical proficiency, adaptability, critical thinking, and a commitment to excellence,” Dr. Katana emphasized.
The Deputy Director of Maritime Transport and Logistics Training, Mr. Enock Okemwa, highlighted the immense job opportunities within the maritime, shipping, and Blue Economy sectors and encouraged students to position themselves to take advantage of these prospects proactively.
ICS Chairman Elijah Mbaru reiterated the Institute’s commitment to working closely with the government, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to enhance employment opportunities for students and cadets. He underscored the value of ICS qualifications in opening doors to global career paths within the maritime sector.
The event brought together key players from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA), the Maritime Organization of Eastern, Southern, and Northern Africa (MOESNA), the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Mombasa Branch, and students from various maritime and shipping training institutions.
By hosting such initiatives, BMA and ICS continue to position themselves as centers of excellence in maritime education, ensuring that Kenya remains a key player in the regional and international shipping industry.
This article was published by Githua Kihara, an editorial consultant for FEAFFA’s Freight Logistics Magazine. For any inquiries, please contact us via email at editorial@feaffa.com or freightlogistics@feaffa.com, or reach out to Andrew Onionga directly at onionga@feaffa.com / +254733780240.
