Nairobi: Securing a significant international alliance, Mount Kenya University (MKU) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy to lead the transformation of maritime education and training in Kenya and the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the agreement, formally signed by MKU Founder Professor Simon Gicharu and Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy President Dr. Yasser Al Wahedi, directly strengthens Kenya's capacity to capitalize on the Blue Economy. Focused on strengthening MKU's Maritime Academy in Malindi, this strategic collaboration will leverage Kenya's key location on the Indian Ocean and address the critical worldwide shortage of skilled maritime professionals by meeting the increasing global demand.
"This alliance clearly demonstrates our continued dedication to delivering premier maritime training and establishing Kenya as a major player in the emerging Blue Economy sector. Collaborating with the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy allows us to furnish our students with the necessary competencies and knowledge to excel within the global maritime profession," said Prof. Gicharu.
The comprehensive MoU is built upon critical strategic pillars designed to maintain the competitiveness and industry relevance of MKU's programmes. The primary focus is on Knowledge Exchange and Curriculum Development, which mandates the joint creation and implementation of specialized, industry-relevant courses including advanced study areas like maritime studies, AI applications, and safety, all rigorously aligned with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers.
Furthermore, the partnership encompasses Advanced Training Programmes, offering crucial curriculum support, knowledge transfer, and trainer development from the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy to elevate the skills of seafarers, engineers and other maritime experts.
Other focus areas include Research, Innovation, and Career Development. Specifically, the collaboration will foster joint research and innovation efforts that are directly aligned with the goals of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. This includes support for joint funding proposals and academic publications.
Crucially, the MoU is structured to maximize career opportunities, expanding prospects for both students and faculty through internships, cadetships, exchange programmes and industry engagement. This ensures that MKU graduates are fully prepared and highly sought after in the international maritime job market.
Prof. Gicharu emphasised that this initiative mirrors MKU's proactive stance in cultivating industry-ready professionals. He stated that the alliance would ultimately elevate the university's academic quality, enhance its relevance to the industry and solidify its global competitiveness within the fast-growing maritime sector.