Authority intervenes to end student unrest at Bandari Maritime Academy
One of the contentious issues was an alleged Sh10,000 fee for industrial attachment, which students claimed was unfair.
The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has intervened to address grievances raised by students of Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) following nearly a week of protests that paralysed learning at the institution.
The demonstrations, sparked by concerns over management issues, high fees and delays in obtaining crucial maritime documents, prompted an emergency meeting led by KMA Acting Director-General Isaiah Nakoru.
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Nakoru convened a high-level discussion with key maritime industry figures, including Kenya National Shipping Line (KNSL) Managing Director Abdalla Hatimy, BMA Chairman Kinandu Muragu, and Kenya Union of Seafarers Secretary-General Atie Ramadhan.
The meeting sought to find immediate solutions and prevent further disruptions at the institution, noting that it was important to have open and honest communication between students and management to avoid misinformation.
The protests, involving over 400 students, erupted last week as trainees voiced their frustrations over what they described as exploitative charges and inefficiencies in the issuance of the Seafarer’s Identification Document (SID).
Industrial attachment fee
One of the contentious issues was an alleged Sh10,000 fee for industrial attachment, which students claimed was unfair.
According to the students they are being asked to pay extra fees on top of what they already struggle to afford. They also raised concerns that delays in processing their documents are also jeopardising their future job opportunities.
Last week the Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho assured students that their concerns would be addressed.
He reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining transparency in maritime education and ensuring fair treatment of trainees.
Despite the widespread outcry, BMA officials dismissed some of the claims, arguing that misinformation had played a role in fuelling the protests.
IMO White List
A key point of contention was Kenya’s status on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) White List. Some students feared that Kenya had been removed from the list, which they believed would affect the credibility of their certifications.
Nakoru, however, clarified that this was not the case.
“Kenya remains on the IMO White List, and our maritime training and certification standards meet international requirements. Our graduates can work on vessels across the world without any issues,” he stated.
The IMO White List includes nations that comply with global training standards under the STCW-95 convention.
As of 2024, 131 countries, including Kenya, were on this list, ensuring that seafarers trained locally are recognised internationally.
Beyond addressing the immediate unrest, the government reassured students that efforts were ongoing to secure more employment opportunities for Kenyan seafarers.
KNSL Managing Director Abdalla Hatimy urged students to be patient, noting that negotiations with international shipping companies were already yielding results.
“We have finalised an agreement with South Korea which will see 1,000 Kenyan seafarers employed in the shipping industry. Discussions with companies in Germany, India, and Oman are also progressing well,” he revealed.
More jobs
His recent visit to Oman, he added, resulted in interest from shipping firms keen on linking the Port of Salalah with Lamu Port, a move expected to create additional job opportunities for trained Kenyan seafarers.
Kenya’s maritime industry plays a crucial role in global shipping and trade, with its location along the East African coastline positioning it as a key player.
The country has been a member of the IMO since 1973 and continues to invest in maritime education and employment.
According to the latest IMO data, Kenya’s recognition on the White List ensures that its maritime certificates and endorsements are valid worldwide. This means graduates from institutions like Bandari Maritime Academy can compete for jobs internationally without facing discrimination.
With a global shortage of seafarers, the demand for trained maritime professionals is on the rise. Currently, over 16,000 Kenyans are employed in various shipping lines globally, and the number is expected to increase as more employment agreements are signed.
Following the intervention by maritime authorities, BMA is set to hold a general meeting with students to address their concerns and clarify any misunderstandings. Additionally, a structured communication system will be put in place to ensure that grievances are handled more effectively in the future.
The government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening maritime education, ensuring fair fee structures, and securing job placements for qualified seafarers.
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