The Kenya Coast National Polytechnic (KCNP) is a premier public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution dedicated to vocational and technical training, research, and innovation. Recognizing the strategic importance of the maritime sector, the Government of Kenya and the World Bank competitively selected KCNP in 2018 to be a Regional Flagship Marine Transport and Port Logistics Center under the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP).
“This initiative is a game-changer for Kenya’s maritime industry. It aligns with our national economic goals and international maritime standards, ensuring we produce globally competitive graduates,” says Geoffrey Andama, Chief Principal of KCNP.
The Marine Campus, currently in its final stages of development at Waa in Kwale County, stands as a crucial component of this initiative. According to Andama, the campus is positioned to be a regional powerhouse in maritime training.
“We are not just building a training facility; we are laying the foundation for Kenya to become a maritime education hub in East Africa,” he notes.
As a key pillar of regional integration, one of EASTRIP’s main objectives, the campus is expected to train professionals to support Kenya’s vision of becoming a regional maritime hub. It will supply skilled labour to the cruise, shipping, logistics, and marine engineering sectors, aligning with national and regional economic priorities.
To date, KCNP has enrolled and graduated 76 trainees from short-term maritime-related programs and 39 from long-term programs, with students hailing from Tanzania, Uganda, and South Sudan. Additionally, over ten trainers have participated in regional staff exchange programs in specialized fields such as marine transport, port logistics, shipping, and marine engineering.
“We are seeing increased demand for our courses, reflecting the industry’s need for well-trained maritime professionals. Our graduates are securing jobs not just in Kenya but across the region,” says Andama.
The Kwale Marine Campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a modern Maritime Centre equipped with fully furnished simulation labs, marine workshops, classrooms, a library, computer labs, and administrative offices. A key feature is the Maritime Safety and Survival Training Center, which includes a diving pool and a swimming pool. The campus also has a hospitality centre designed to train students in cruise-related programs.
“The quality of training facilities we are putting in place is on par with international maritime academies. We aim to equip our students with the best hands-on experience before they join the industry,” Andama emphasizes.
Future developments under Phase II of the project will include student hostels, staff housing, a commercial centre and hotel, a student centre, a playground, and an academic centre. The development of the Marine Campus has followed a phased approach, with the first stage (2021–2023) focusing on planning, curriculum development, and initial construction. The second stage (2023–2025) involves infrastructure completion, the installation of training equipment, and the finalization and launch of academic programs, with a strong focus on International Maritime Organization (IMO) model courses.
Currently, overall construction is 80% complete, and maritime simulation and engineering lab equipment have been installed at the main campus in Mombasa town. Eleven courses have been developed and accredited, including basic STCW courses. Additionally, KCNP has signed twelve Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with industry partners and regional maritime organizations.
“The partnerships we are forming with the industry are crucial. We want our graduates to be absorbed into the workforce immediately after completing their courses,” says Andama.
The Marine Campus is expected to be fully operational by May 31, 2025, with the inaugural student enrollment set for June 2025. It will have an annual capacity of approximately 1,000 students, offering programs in marine engineering, nautical science, logistics and shipping management, cruise service, port operations, and basic and advanced STCW courses. All courses adhere to IMO standards and STCW guidelines, ensuring global recognition.
“We have ensured our curriculum meets international standards. This means our graduates will be competitive in both local and international job markets,” Andama explains.
KCNP partners with global maritime institutions, international shipping companies, and regional maritime training centers to facilitate student internships, attachments, employment, faculty exchange programs, and research collaborations. The campus is also playing a crucial role in improving trade efficiency and optimizing port operations.
A recent tracer study indicates that 74% of KCNP graduates secure employment within six months of graduation. “This is a clear indication that our programs are industry-aligned and producing job-ready professionals,” notes Andama.
Despite its progress, the campus has encountered challenges such as limited infrastructure funding, regulatory compliance hurdles, a shortage of skilled instructors, and a lack of sea-time training opportunities. These issues are being addressed through government, donor, and private-sector support; partnerships with certification bodies; and initiatives like training staff through sea-time programs and international scholarships.
Two staff members have already completed master’s degrees in maritime-related fields, while two more are set to graduate by 2026. One staff member is currently undergoing sea-time training onboard a vessel. Collaborations with international maritime organizations are also being pursued to increase sea-time training opportunities.
“Investing in our trainers is just as important as investing in our students. The maritime industry is evolving, and we must stay ahead through continuous capacity building,” says Andama.
Looking ahead, KCNP plans to expand its programs and infrastructure. Future initiatives include the introduction of boat-building courses, development of accommodation facilities, construction of a commercial hotel for training and income generation, and the implementation of e-learning programs to reach a wider audience.
Sustainability remains a core focus, with the campus integrating green shipping practices, marine biodiversity conservation programs, and climate change adaptation research in maritime operations. “Sustainability is the future of maritime operations, and we want to ensure our students are equipped with knowledge and skills in green shipping practices,” says Andama.
Future innovations will include virtual reality simulations for hands-on training, smart ship technology integration, and AI-driven maritime analytics research. KCNP is also spearheading new initiatives such as digitalizing maritime training, integrating AI and automation into logistics management, and establishing a regional maritime employment network.
In conclusion, the KCNP Marine Campus represents a strategic investment in Kenya’s maritime future. Through training skilled professionals, fostering innovation, and supporting the Blue Economy, the institution is poised to play a transformative role in shaping the regional maritime landscape.
“This is more than just an education project; it is a national and regional economic catalyst. KCNP is determined to be at the forefront of maritime training in Africa,” says Andama.
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.
