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Prof. Deogratius JAGANYI Speech
SPEECH BY
Prof. Deogratius JAGANYI,
VICE-CHANCELLOR,
DURING THE
LAUNCH OF MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY, MALINDI MARITIME ACADEMY
ON
26TH 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,
- Chairman, Mount Kenya University Council, Dr. Vincent Gaitho,
- Mount Kenya University Council Members present,
- Members of University Management Board present,
- Staff members present,
- Students,
- Distinguished, Invited Guests,
- Ladies and gentlemen.
- Preliminaries
It is with great joy that I join the rest of Mount Kenya University (MKU) fraternity in welcoming our guests to this occasion of the launch of the MKU Malindi Maritime Academy; an institution that represents the collective commitment by Mount Kenya University in advancing of maritime education, research, and innovation in Kenya and outside our national borders.
I also pass to our guests the greetings from the MKU fraternity.
- Internationalization of the University through Accreditation of Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Courses as a Gateway to Global Standards
Today, we not only celebrate the opening of this academy but also the accreditation of Mount Kenya University to offer Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) courses. This marks a significant internationalization achievement for us as a university. These internationally recognized courses to be offered at this Academy form the foundation of the global maritime training, ensuring that seafarers meet the highest standards of safety, competence, and professionalism. Thus, through the Malindi Maritime Academy, MKU will provide training that meets international maritime standards, opening doors for our students to pursue successful careers in the maritime industry worldwide.
At MKU, we are committed to developing professionals who are versatile and well-rounded. Whether it is training of the cadets to navigate the seas or preparing engineers to maintain the vessels that keep global trade moving, we are dedicated to delivering programs that address every aspect of this complex and essential industry. Our goal is to produce highly skilled graduates who will contribute to the growth and development of Kenya’s maritime sector.
- Contributing to Maritime Safety and Youth Employment
Ladies and Gentlemen, in addition to the aforementioned, safety and security remain at the heart of everything we do as a university. Through our STCW training, we will contribute significantly to improving maritime safety standards, and ensure that our graduates uphold the highest levels of competence.
Additionally, job creation for the youth is a key priority at MKU. Therefore, since the maritime industry offers diverse job opportunities, the skills learned here will directly translate into well-paying and fulfilling careers. As part of our commitment to tackling youth unemployment, we will work closely with industry partners to secure sea-time opportunities and employment pathways for our graduates, ensuring that they are not only well trained and adequately skilled, but also connected to global job markets.
- MKU Malindi Maritime Academy in Support of the Kenya Maritime Authority, International Maritime Organization and Sustainable Development Goals
Our Chief Guest, Ladies and Gentlemen,
As the world fast approaches 2030, the United Nations has established modalities through which its member states and especially the institutions and individuals within the UN Member States offer their support towards the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The MKU Malindi Maritime Academy as launched today, is a testimony to MKU’s support to the SDGs.
As we are also aware, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the UN Agency charged with the dual role of supporting the SDGs through prevention of maritime and atmospheric pollution by ships as well as ensuring shipping safety and security. At a national level, this role is played by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA). This then brings into focus Mount Kenya University Malindi Maritime Academy’s role and commitment in working hand-in-hand with the Kenya Maritime Authority as well as the UN’s International Maritime Organization in achieving the aforementioned responsibilities.
The motivating factor at Mount Kenya University to contribute towards the Kenya Maritime Authority’s mandate as well as to the International Maritime Organization’s mandate is that, MKU is the United Nations Academic Impact Hub University for SDG No. 10 on Reduced Inequalities for a renewable period between June 2021 and ending on 31st December, 2024.
- Malindi Maritime Academy as a Future Point of Focus in Research, Innovation and Collaboration
Beyond training, research and innovation will be critical parts of the academy’s work. The maritime sector is undergoing a transformation, driven by technology, environmental sustainability concerns, and evolving global trade patterns. We are committed to fostering research initiatives that will help solve real-world challenges facing the maritime industry.
From addressing the impact of climate change on our oceans to developing sustainable port operations and logistics solutions, we are positioning this academy as a hub for cutting-edge maritime research. Collaboration with industry, government, and other institutions will be essential partnerships that will drive innovation and improve practices within the maritime sector.
- Appreciation to the Stakeholders
Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me, on behalf of the University and on my own behalf to express our appreciation to the Board of Directors of Mount Kenya University, Government of Kenya, the Kenya Maritime Authority, our industry partners, and the University Council for their unwavering support in making this academy a reality.
To our faculty and students, in line with the MKU Vision, Mission, core-values, as usual, let us continue to work together and ensure that the Malindi Maritime Academy becomes not just a beacon of maritime education but also an avenue for creating jobs, fostering research, and promoting maritime safety. The opportunities ahead are limitless, and we have a shared responsibility to make the most of them.
- Conclusion
In conclusion, with the support of all stakeholders, Mount Kenya University through the Malindi Maritime Academy shall strive to produce top-tier maritime professionals who are ready to make a great contribution within the industry, both nationally and internationally in line with the global Goals.
Last and not the least, I thank you all for your time and audience as we jointly propel Malindi Maritime Academy to sail forward to infinite success for the good of our planet and the good of the global community.
Thank you.
Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi
VICE-CHANCELLOR
MOUNT KENYA UNIVERSITY