Bandari Maritime Academy students protest over fees and training challenges
The students vowed to continue boycotting classes until their grievances were addressed, insisting that without urgent reforms, the institution would fail to produce competent maritime professionals.
Learning activities at Bandari Maritime Academy were disrupted today as students staged a protest over high fees, inadequate training facilities, and delays in obtaining essential maritime documents.
The students accused the institution’s management of poor governance, citing unclear fee structures, a lack of practical training opportunities, and prolonged delays in issuing the Seafarer’s Identification Document (SID).
More To Read
- Bandari Maritime Academy launches strategic plan with new exchange programs
- Bandari Maritime Academy refutes claims of international employment ineligibility of its seafarers
- Relief for seafarers as government reduces maritime training fees to Sh15,000
- Women breaking barriers in male-dominated maritime jobs
They also raised concerns about an alleged Sh10,000 fee required for industrial attachment, which they termed as exploitative.
Responding, the Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hassan Joho assured the students that their grievances would be addressed, emphasising that education should remain accessible and transparent.
Speaking at a government food distribution event for vulnerable families in Mombasa, CS Joho acknowledged the urgency of their concerns.
“I know for a fact that SID is a big issue, and we are addressing it expeditiously so that we can conclude it for our people to carry the document which is required globally. Ordinarily, we should have had it a year ago, but we are pushing for it to happen very soon and it will happen,” he stated.
The students expressed frustration over the lack of response to their repeated pleas for fee reductions and better training conditions.
Isabella Oduka, a student leader, criticised the academy’s administration for failing to provide a clear breakdown of how fees are utilised.
“We pay a lot of money, yet we don’t see improvements in our learning environment. The workshops lack essential equipment, classrooms are overcrowded, and we are not getting the hands-on experience we need,” said Oduka.
Another student, Saidimu Tauta, decried the high cost of tuition, arguing that it did not match the quality of education provided. He demanded accountability from the institution’s leadership, insisting that students deserved value for their money.
“We are being charged exorbitant fees, yet the services we receive do not reflect this. We need transparency on how our money is being spent,” said Tauta.
The issue of sea time, a critical component of maritime training, also emerged as a major concern. Students questioned the transparency of agreements between the academy and foreign nations regarding internship placements.
Salim Dzuma, one of the protesting students, urged the institution to provide clear information on the allocation process.
“Sea time is crucial for our certification, but we have no idea how the available slots are distributed. The administration must be transparent and ensure all students get equal opportunities,” said Dzuma.
Additionally, students raised concerns over the delayed release of examination results and inconsistencies in teaching schedules, with some alleging that lecturers either skipped lessons or left before completing their sessions.
The students vowed to continue boycotting classes until their grievances were addressed, insisting that without urgent reforms, the institution would fail to produce competent maritime professionals.
CS Joho assured them that the ministry would investigate their complaints and take necessary action to improve the learning conditions at the academy.
Top Stories Today
