Training auditors from the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) have conducted a renewal audit for the Maritime Transport and Logistics programmes offered by the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM).
A high-powered audit team from the KMA conducted the exercise on Tuesday of January 21, 2025.
The KMA audit team was comprised of Engineer Jacob Eweet, Assistant Director- Training and Certification (Maritime Transport Logistics); Ms Aziza Swazuri, Principal Officer - Maritime Transport & Logistics (MLT); and Ms Tamara Roney, Maritime Training Officer (MLT).
TUM’s MLT programmes are hosted in the University’s Institute of Maritime and Seafaring Studies, a specialist school that is dedicated to all programmes related to maritime education and training.
The MLT programmes that KMA audited are for Certificate and Diploma levels.
The aim of the audit is to assess the quality and relevance of the MLT programmes offered at TUM, so as to ensure they continue adhering to the quality standards set by the KMA and the industry.
The audit entailed a thorough review of various aspects, namely curriculum and course content and methodology of delivery; assessment of the qualifications, experience, and professional development of teaching and support staff; and inspection of the availability and adequacy of teaching and learning facilities.
Other processes included evaluation of the availability and effectiveness of student support services, such as academic advising, career counseling, and library resources.
The audit is routine and its findings will help KMA a renewal (continuation) of accreditation of the said programmes at TUM. That would ensure that the graduates of these programmes meet the necessary competencies and standards required by the maritime industry.
The Vice Chancellor Prof Laila Abubakar said the Maritime Institute had highly competent training staff and her administration had committed vast resources to ensure the Institute and the University at large achieved its goal of producing quality graduates.
She highlighted TUM's rich history in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), stating, "We hold our TVET heritage dearly. This is why, in addition to quality classroom instruction, our students are required to complete industrial attachments and research projects before graduation, even after successfully passing all examinations."
Prof Laila added that TUM's unique approach to student training aligns perfectly with the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) framework. "We can confidently declare our readiness to receive the CBC cohort," she asserted adding that TUM’s training methodologies are inherently CBET-oriented.
KMA’s Engineer Eweet emphasized that the exercise aims to assist TUM in reclaiming its historical position as a leader in maritime training within Kenya. He commended TUM by saying: "I have noted the high level of precision in industrial attachment and examination handling, which is beyond perfect compared to other institutions."
The TUM Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic Research and Extension Prof Peter Gichangi echoed Eng Eweet’s sentiments adding that the University was committed to enhancing its maritime training portfolio.
Prof Gichangi said even as TUM maintained the highest quality standards, it was considering ways of developing, training, examining, and certifying a wider range of Craft and Diploma programmes in maritime studies than it is currently doing.
This audit underscores the KMA's commitment to maintaining high standards in maritime education and training within Kenyan institutions, TUM being one.
