The Technical University of Mombasa has always thrived in Maritime affairs both at the National and International level- Africa. The institution has also been continuously developing the standard of training in an attempt to produce highly skilled and capable cadets and seafarers. It was thus such an honour that the University was graced by the presence of a delegation from Wilhelmsen Ship Management, one of the world's largest third-party ship managers in the world.
Mr Craig De Savoye, the General Manager (Africa) of Wilhelmsen was accompanied by Mrs Nancy Karigithu from The Oceans and Blue Economy Office (TOBEO) from the Office of the President, Mr Abdulhakim Aden and Mrs Agnes Loiman from the State Department of Shipping and Maritime Affairs. Their main mission was to scout and recruit cadets from Kenya. This would create opportunities for Kenyan graduates and open a pathway to a steady career.
In the meeting held within the institution, the VC, Professor Laila Abubakar, DVC in charge of academics, Professor Gichangi, Dean School of Engineering and Technology, Dr Bachani, COD of Mechanical Engineering, Dr Wangombe, Head of Maritime Education and Training Captain Talib and Engineer Officer, Mr Khalid Fauz among others, were present where valuable insights and career paths and opportunities in the ship management industry were discussed.
Professor Laila contentedly expressed how the University has increasingly been offering quality training for the Nautical Science and Marine Engineering students. As such, partnerships with shipping companies like Wilhelmsen will propel the institution further into the international market. Mrs Nancy added that this is a window of opportunity for the country to sell itself as a maritime training centre.
As explained by Captain Talib, the Technical University of Mombasa has different diploma and degree courses which are approved by the Kenya Maritime Authority. The cadets are taken through regimental and leadership training to ensure that the trainees have the discipline to lead and to be led. The students also acquire medical certification internally.
The Marine industry is rapidly growing and there is high demand for training opportunities. As such, Dr Bachan expressed the importance of capitalising on this demand as a university and developing a Maritime Institute in the University.
The Chief Guest, Mr De Savoye conveyed his excitement about being at the University, an institution where he believed has success and he'll acquire support for his aspirations. Due to different geopolitical issues in the world, there has been a shortfall of seafarers. As such, Wilhelmsen Management is scouting for new pools of seafarers. Mr De Savoye explained their vision in shaping the industry and also the future of shaping the industry. Nonetheless, for this to be achieved, human resources is needed, which explains the objective of the meeting.
Discussing different career growth opportunities, Captain Talib reiterated the importance of training Trainers of Trainers on emerging trends in the Marine industry so that they stay up to date with new technologies and equipment. This will further assist them in guiding the students on relevant and new happenings in the industry. Mr De Savoye promised to find ways to implement this brilliant idea and to have more partnerships with the institution.
The guests then had a brief talk with a select group of Marine students, offering words of encouragement and support.
The TUM administration led by DVC ARE, Professor Gichangi, and the dignified visitors had another meeting with the Association of Maritime Practitioners AMPK at Kenya Ports Authority for further productive engagements.
