In January 2026, the Kenya Coast National Polytechnic (KCNP) will admit the first cohort of students to its newly built Maritime Excellence Academy at Kombani, Kwale County. The inaugural intake will offer programs in Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, and Hospitality, opening doors for learners from across Eastern Africa, FREIGHT LOGISTICS has learnt.
For KCNP and its partners in the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP), this milestone is more than just an academic calendar event—it signals the birth of a regional hub for maritime training that is set to transform the Blue Economy.
“This is a game-changer for Kenya and the wider region. The academy will ensure our young people receive training that meets international maritime standards, making them competitive at both regional and global levels,” says Geoffrey Andama, Chief Principal of KCNP.
KCNP was competitively selected in 2018 by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank to serve as a Regional Flagship Marine Transport and Port Logistics Centre under EASTRIP. Since then, the institution has steadily worked toward building the facilities, curriculum, and partnerships necessary to meet this vision.
The Kombani Marine Campus now stands as the most advanced maritime training institution in the region, featuring simulation labs, marine engineering workshops, a Maritime Safety and Survival Training Center, a diving pool, a swimming pool, and a hospitality centre for cruise-related programs.
“This is not just a training facility—it’s a foundation for making Kenya a true maritime education hub for East Africa,” Andama adds.
The campus is expected to admit about 1,000 students annually once fully operational, offering courses aligned with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards and the STCW Convention. Graduates will be prepared to join industries such as shipping, logistics, marine engineering, cruise tourism, and port operations.
KCNP has signed 12 MoUs with maritime industry partners to guarantee pathways for students into employment. Trainers are also benefitting from capacity-building programs, including master’s-level studies and sea-time training on international vessels.
Looking ahead, KCNP plans to introduce boat-building courses, expand e-learning to reach more students, and embed sustainability in all its programs. Initiatives include green shipping practices, climate change adaptation in maritime operations, and the use of smart ship and AI-driven logistics technologies.
By aligning its curriculum with national development strategies and regional integration goals, KCNP’s Marine Campus is positioning itself as a driver of Kenya’s and Eastern Africa’s Blue Economy ambitions.
“This is more than just an academic project. It is a regional economic catalyst that will provide the skills and innovation needed to strengthen seaborne trade, improve port operations, and unlock the potential of the maritime sector,” notes Andama.
When the first students walk through the gates in January 2026, they will not just be beginning their academic journey—they will be part of a transformative moment in East Africa’s maritime history.
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 or oningaam@gmail.com / +254733780240.
