NAIROBI – Mount Kenya University (MKU) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy (ADMA), a move designed to elevate Kenya's role in the global maritime industry and accelerate the development of its Blue Economy. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed in Nairobi on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, by MKU Founder, Prof. Simon Gicharu, and Dr. Yasser Al Wahedi, President of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy.

The collaboration is set to significantly enhance the training capacity of MKU's Maritime Academy in Malindi, the first privately-funded institution of its kind in Kenya. This initiative directly addresses a pressing global need; the most recent Seafarer Workforce Report from BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) highlighted a shortfall of over 26,000 certified officers and projected a need for nearly 90,000 additional officers by 2026 to operate the world's merchant fleet.

Strategic Pillars for Growth

The agreement focuses on several key areas intended to align MKU’s curriculum with top international standards. According to a statement released on Tuesday, the core pillars of the MoU include:

• Knowledge Exchange and Curriculum Development: The two institutions will jointly design and deliver courses in advanced maritime studies, including the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and enhanced safety protocols, ensuring alignment with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
• Advanced Training Programs: ADMA will provide curriculum support, knowledge transfer, and trainer development to bolster advanced training for seafarers, engineers, and other maritime experts at the Malindi campus.
• Research and Innovation: The partnership will foster joint research projects, particularly those aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and pursue joint funding opportunities.
• Career Opportunities: The collaboration will create pathways for students and faculty through internships, cadetships, and industry exchanges, aiming to produce graduates ready for the international job market.

Tapping Kenya's Untapped Potential

The partnership arrives at a crucial time for Kenya, which has identified the Blue Economy as a priority sector under its Vision 2030 development agenda. The sector, which encompasses fisheries, maritime transport, tourism, and energy, is seen as a vital frontier for job creation and economic diversification. Since hosting the first global Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in 2018, Kenya has been developing a national strategy to sustainably harness its vast ocean and inland water resources.

“This partnership underscores MKU’s commitment to providing world-class maritime education and positioning Kenya as a leader in the Blue Economy,” Prof. Gicharu stated during the signing ceremony on Tuesday. “By working with Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, we will equip our students with the skills and expertise required to thrive in the international maritime industry.”

MKU's Malindi campus, established in September 2024, is strategically located on the Indian Ocean coast and offers courses in marine navigation, fishing technology, and marine conservation. The university has invested in modern training tools, including navigation simulators, to prepare students for the technologically advanced nature of the modern maritime sector.

A Global Vision

The Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, is a leading maritime education center in its region, with a history of forming international partnerships to enhance its training programs. Its collaboration with MKU is expected to provide Kenyan trainees with a competitive edge, connecting them to a global network of maritime professionals and opportunities.

By focusing on producing highly skilled, industry-ready graduates, the initiative aims to do more than just provide education. It seeks to create a certified workforce capable of filling high-value roles globally, thereby boosting remittance inflows and strengthening Kenya's overall economic standing. The success of this partnership could serve as a blueprint for public-private collaboration in specialized education, directly contributing to both national development goals and global industry needs.