Bandari Maritime Academy

Newly admitted Forklift trainees at the Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) have commenced practical training, marking a critical stage in their development of hands-on skills and confidence needed to excel in the workplace.

The practical sessions are equipping trainees with essential forklift handling and operational skills, including acceleration and brake control, forward and reverse driving, steering and maneuvering in confined spaces, and sideways navigation through tight angles.

These competencies are vital in port, maritime, warehousing, and logistics operations, where forklift operators are required to handle cargo safely and efficiently, maneuver within congested workspaces, and position loads with precision.

Through hands-on practical training, BMA is preparing trainees to meet the evolving demands of industry while promoting safe, efficient, and professional cargo-handling operations.

https://bma.ac.ke/bma-forklift-trainees-begin-practical-training-to-build-industry-ready-skills/

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Insights from maritime industry leaders on career opportunities, workplace expectations, and the skills required to succeed in the maritime sector took center stage as Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) cadets participated in the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Students’ Symposium during the ICS Networking Conference 2026 held at the Academy.

The symposium brought together maritime students from various training institutions, industry professionals, and representatives from logistics companies, providing a platform for knowledge sharing, mentorship, professional networking, and career guidance.

ICS International Chairman, Mr. Krishnan Subramaniam, urged them to master communication skills, describing effective communication as an important human factor that can drive breakthroughs in their careers.

“ChatGPT can give you answers, but in an interview, the way you communicate will earn you a job. Ensure you are good public speakers,” Mr. Subramaniam said.

He challenged the students to look beyond technical knowledge and develop strong interpersonal and communication skills, noting that their ability to express themselves confidently and engage effectively with others would be critical as they transition into the workplace.

For BMA cadets, the engagement provided valuable exposure to the realities of the maritime workplace while complementing the Academy’s competency-based approach to training.

Addressing the forum, BMA Senior Trainer in Maritime Transport and Logistics, Eddison Murengi, said BMA continues to strengthen the employability of its cadets by combining classroom instruction with practical training and industry exposure.

He noted that the Academy provides cadets with opportunities to gain hands-on experience through educational field visits, simulation training, and practical sessions, helping them develop competencies that respond to the needs of the maritime industry.

Further, the students were encouraged to embrace volunteer opportunities, noting that volunteering provides an important avenue for gaining practical experience, building professional networks, and identifying career opportunities.

The interaction enabled students to gain perspectives from industry practitioners on the evolving demands of the maritime sector and the importance of developing practical, professional communication, and problem-solving skills.

https://bma.ac.ke/bma-cadets-gain-industry-insights-at-ics-networking-conference-2026/

The Board of Directors, Management,and Staff of Bandari Maritime Academy are deeply saddened by the tragic road accident involving members of the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) community.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the TUM fraternity, and all those affected by this tragic loss. We also wish those injured a quick and full recovery.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the departed rest in eternal peace.

Technical University of Mombasa - TUM

Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) has strengthened its position as a regional hub for maritime professional education following the official commissioning of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) East Africa Branch Office at the Academy.

The new office is expected to expand access to internationally recognized maritime qualifications and enhance professional capacity across Kenya and the wider East African region.

The office was officially commissioned by the ICS International Chairman, Mr. Krishnan Subramaniam, in the presence of the Bandari Maritime Academy Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Eric Katana.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Mr. Subramaniam commended Bandari Maritime Academy for spearheading the establishment of the East Africa Branch Office, noting that it will streamline the delivery of ICS professional courses in Kenya while improving access to globally recognised maritime qualifications.

He observed that the office will play a key role in preparing maritime professionals to respond to emerging trends shaping the global shipping industry, including artificial intelligence, automation, blockchain technology, digital documentation, smart ports, data analytics, autonomous vessels and green shipping initiatives.

Bandari Maritime Academy Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Eric Katana, lauded the longstanding partnership between the Academy and the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, particularly following the approval of BMA as an official Teaching and Examination Centre for ICS professional programmes.

He noted that the commissioning of the East Africa Branch Office reinforces the Academy's commitment to developing a highly skilled maritime workforce, promoting professional excellence and supporting the growth and competitiveness of Kenya's maritime sector and the wider East African region.

Beginning in September 2026, Bandari Maritime Academy will admit students to the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers' professional programmes, including the Foundation Diploma, Advanced Diploma and the Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE), further expanding access to globally recognized maritime qualifications in the region.

https://bma.ac.ke/bandari-maritime-academy-hosts-institute-of-chartered-shipbrokers-east-africa-branch-office/

Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) today hosted the International Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), Mr. Krishnan Subramaniam, for the official opening of the ICS Networking Conference and Student Symposium 2026 at the Academy.

The conference, which brings together key maritime stakeholders, aims to promote professionalism, knowledge sharing, and excellence in the maritime sector under the theme, “Resource for Resilience.”

While addressing the gathering on behalf of the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Eng. Aden Millah, BMA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana underscored the critical role of the maritime industry in driving global trade and economic growth.

“More than 80 percent of international trade by volume continues to move by sea. Every product we consume, every economy that grows, and every nation that participates in international trade depends directly on efficient maritime transport and logistics,” said Dr. Katana.

Dr. Katana encouraged BMA cadets who are attending the conference to embrace their role as future maritime professionals, noting that the knowledge and skills gained through such engagements, together with their training at the Academy, will enable them to contribute to international trade, economic development, environmental sustainability, and regional prosperity.

He further highlighted the growing partnership between Bandari Maritime Academy and the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers following BMA’s recent approval as a teaching and examination centre for ICS professional courses.

“As an Academy, we take pride in having recently been approved as a teaching and examination centre for ICS professional courses. We commend the Institute for this important recognition and remain greatly indebted for its continued support,” said Dr. Katana.

On his part, ICS International Chairman Mr. Krishnan Subramaniam emphasized the importance of investing in young maritime professionals, noting that the industry presents significant opportunities for growth and innovation.

“The maritime industry offers immense opportunities, and the great effort invested by Bandari Maritime Academy in providing maritime training will position Kenya and the region as a maritime hub,” said Mr. Subramaniam.

The Chairman of the ICS East Africa Region, Mr. Elijah Mbaru, noted that the conference provides a platform to highlight the vast opportunities emerging within the Blue Economy and to encourage greater participation in the maritime sector.

The ICS Networking Conference 2026 reflects the continued commitment of Bandari Maritime Academy and its partners to strengthening maritime education, professional development, and the growth of a resilient maritime industry in Kenya and beyond.

https://bma.ac.ke/bandari-maritime-academy-hosts-ics-networking-conference-2026/

Advance your maritime career with Professional Courses at Bandari Maritime Academy.
Enroll for the Foundation Diploma Programme featuring the mandatory subject Introduction to Shipping plus one subject from Group 1 or Group 2.
Apply now for the September 2026 Intake.
For inquiries:
📞 0709 665 011 / 0709 665 000

Bandari Maritime Academy has received a major boost following the clearance of the proposed Bandari Maritime Academy Bill, 2025 by the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, paving the way for its progression to the next stages in Parliament.

The Bill seeks to formally establish Bandari Maritime Academy through an Act of Parliament, while clearly outlining its functions, governance, management and administrative framework. This milestone marks a significant step towards strengthening the Academy’s legal and institutional foundation as a premier maritime training institution.

During a legal briefing held at Parliament Buildings, the National Assembly’s legal team informed Committee Members that the proposed legislation will replace the current framework under the Bandari Maritime Academy Order, Legal Notice No. 233 of 2018.

The new law is expected to elevate the Academy into a fully-fledged centre of excellence dedicated to advancing maritime education, training, and research in Kenya and the wider region.

Committee Vice Chairperson, Hon. Didmus Barasa, who chaired the session, emphasized the importance of ensuring the Bill’s constitutional compliance as it advances through the legislative process. He noted that the Committee had no reservations in allowing the Bill to proceed.

Members of the Committee, including Hon. Komingoi Kibet (Bureti), Hon. Abdul Dawood (North Imenti), and Hon. Badi Twalib (Jomvu), expressed strong support for the Bill and encouraged their colleagues to back it in the subsequent stages.

The Committee’s endorsement signals growing national support for the transformation of Bandari Maritime Academy into a robust institution anchored in law. Once enacted, the Bill will enhance the Academy’s capacity to deliver world-class maritime training, foster innovation and contribute significantly to the growth of Kenya’s Blue Economy.

Bandari Maritime Academy Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Katana described the Committee’s endorsement as a landmark achievement for the Academy and the maritime sector at large.

https://bma.ac.ke/bandari-maritime-academy-bill-2025-cleared-for-next-stage-in-parliament/