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Dr. Vincent Gaitho, Chairman Council Speech

SPEECH BY

VINCENT GAITHO,

CHAIRMAN, UNIVERSITY COUNCIL,

 DURING THE 

LAUNCH OF MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY, MALINDI MARITIME ACADEMY

ON

  26^TH SEPTEMBER, 2024

THE WORLD MARITIME DAY - 2024

THEME:

"NAVIGATING THE FUTURE: SAFETY FIRST!"

• Salutation

• The Chief Guest, Geoffrey Kaituko, Principal Secretary, State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs,
• E. Gideon Maitha Mung’aro, Governor, Kilifi County (Represented),
• Captain William Ruto, Managing Director, Kenya Ports Authority,
• Captain Peter Munga, Director, Maritime Education, Training and Labour, KMA,
• Mnyazi Amina Laura, Member of Parliament, Malindi Constituency, Kilifi County,
• Gertrude Mbeyu Mwanyanje, Women Representative, Kilifi County,
• Twaher Abdulkarim, Member of County Assembly, Shella Ward, Kilifi County,
• Mwenda Njoka, CEO, Cape Media,
• Mount Kenya University Council Members Present,
• Vice-Chancellor, Mount Kenya University, Prof. Deogratius JAGANYI,
• Members of University Management Board present,
• Staff members present,
• Students,
• Distinguished, Invited Guests,
• Ladies and gentlemen.

• Preliminaries

It is with immense pride and profound gratitude that I stand before you today to officially launch the Malindi Maritime Academy. This momentous occasion marks not only the expansion of Mount Kenya University’s (MKU) educational horizons but also underscores our commitment to positioning Kenya as a global leader in maritime education and training.

We gather here in the historic town of Malindi, under the steadfast presence of the Vasco da Gama Pillar—a symbol of exploration, trade, and the enduring maritime legacy that connects Africa to the world. Just as Vasco da Gama once navigated uncharted waters, we embark on a new journey to navigate the future of maritime education, innovation, and economic empowerment.

• Establishing a Global Hub for Maritime Excellence

The Malindi Maritime Academy is a testament to MKU’s vision of becoming a global hub for education and innovation. Our state-of-the-art facilities, including cutting-edge simulators and advanced training infrastructure, are designed to provide world-class Maritime Education and Training. We commit and strive to continuously offer internationally accredited programs which are meticulously crafted to meet the global demand for qualified seafarers and maritime professionals, ensuring our graduates are equipped to excel in a competitive international maritime sector.

• Addressing Youth Unemployment through Maritime Opportunities in African Continent and Beyond

One of Africa’s most pressing challenges today is youth unemployment. Our young people are eager for opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development in Africa. The Malindi Maritime Academy is strategically established to address this challenge by creating a direct pathway to high-demand careers in the maritime sector. The global shortage of qualified maritime professionals presents a significant opportunity for Kenya to supply the workforce the world urgently needs. By providing comprehensive training and education, we are empowering our youth to seize these opportunities and build prosperous futures for themselves and our country.

• Incorporating Language Proficiency for Enhanced Employability

Understanding the importance of global integration, we have incorporated German and Korean language courses into our curriculum and many others will be added in the future. These languages are pivotal in regions with high demand for maritime professionals, such as Germany and South Korea. By equipping our graduates with language proficiency, we enhance their employability and open doors to international career opportunities, ensuring they are not only technically skilled but also culturally adaptable and globally competitive.

• Handing-Over the Academy to the Vice-Chancellor and University Management with Special Requests

Today, as we celebrate the launch of the Malindi Maritime Academy, I am honored to hand over the facility to our esteemed Vice-Chancellor and the University Management team. This handover signifies the beginning of a collaborative effort to realize our shared vision of leveraging this academy as a cornerstone for job creation and economic development. I have full confidence in the leadership and dedication of our Vice-Chancellor and management team to utilize this facility to its fullest potential, driving initiatives that will create meaningful employment opportunities and harness the vast potential of the maritime industry.

• Request to the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management

To our Vice-Chancellor and University Management, as I hand-over this facility to you, allow me to also issue this challenge: That, you ensure a total growth of the Malindi Maritime Academy into a dynamic platform for job creation. Beyond providing exceptional education, let this institution be a catalyst for economic growth by fostering partnerships with industry stakeholders, encouraging entrepreneurial ventures among graduates, and spearheading research and innovation in maritime technologies. By doing so, you will not only address youth unemployment but also contribute significantly to the development of a thriving maritime economy as a global interest.

• Requesting More Stakeholders to Investment in the Maritime Sector

I also call upon the Kenyan business community and international development partners and investors to explore opportunities within the maritime sector. Traditional investments in real estate are valuable, but the maritime industry offers vast untapped potential. Investing in merchant ships, maritime vessels, and the broader supply chain can yield substantial financial returns while simultaneously driving job creation and economic diversification. By diversifying into the maritime sector, investors can play a pivotal role in the growth of Kenya’s maritime economy and support our mission to develop a skilled and competitive workforce.

• Conclusion - Vision for a Prosperous Maritime Future

As I conclude Ladies and gentlemen, the launch of the Malindi Maritime Academy is a significant stride towards securing Kenya’s future in the global maritime industry. This academy is more than an educational institution; it is a beacon of our commitment to innovation, job creation, and national development. As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we reaffirm our dedication to producing the next generation of maritime professionals who will meet global challenges with expertise and resilience.

In this regard, I thank everyone who has contributed to making this vision a reality. I am confident that the Malindi Maritime Academy will not only elevate Mount Kenya University’s standing but also make Kenya a proud name in the global maritime community.

To the Vice-Chancellor, University Management, faculty, students, and all stakeholders, I extend my best wishes as we work together to chart a course toward a prosperous and dynamic maritime future for Kenya, Africa and global community.

Thank you.

Dr. Vincent Gaitho
CHAIRMAN, UNIVERSITY COUNCIL
MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY