MKU Maritime Academy unveils Sh30m ship simulator in Malindi

By Lawrence Ongaro

Mount Kenya University (MKU)’s Malindi Maritime Academy has boosted Kenya’s maritime training capacity with the installation of a modern bridge simulator facility valued at Sh30 million, as the institution intensifies efforts to tap into the largely underdeveloped maritime sector.

The high-tech simulator is designed to replicate real-life ship bridge operations, offering trainees practical exposure in navigation, vessel handling, safety management, and emergency response under varying sea and weather conditions.

“The facility will significantly enhance competency-based training and produce graduates who are ready for both local and international maritime jobs,” said Mr John Njenga Muhia, Centre Director at Malindi Maritime Academy.

Boost to skills-based maritime training

Speaking during the commissioning, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) Chief Executive Officer Dr Charles Ong’ondo said the simulator aligns with the country’s shift towards practical, skills-based learning.

“Facilities like this bridge simulator are critical in ensuring learners acquire hands-on competencies that meet industry demands. We encourage institutions to invest in such infrastructure to support quality training under the competency-based framework,” Dr Ong’ondo said.

Mr Muhia noted that the university is pushing for the Sh30 million simulator to be formally recognised by relevant regulatory and accreditation bodies to allow it to be fully integrated into certified maritime training programmes.

“Our goal is to have this simulator recognised as a standard training facility so that our cadets can train locally and be competitive globally. This investment demonstrates MKU’s commitment to the blue economy and to producing highly skilled maritime professionals,” he said.

State-of-the-art Wärtsilä technology

In a major leap towards revolutionising maritime training in Kenya, the Malindi-based academy has also been equipped with state-of-the-art Wärtsilä navigational simulators.

The simulators represent the pinnacle of maritime simulation technology and are designed to meet the evolving needs of a rapidly digitising industry, preparing the next generation of seafarers for the complexities of modern maritime operations.

Malindi Maritime Academy is strategically positioned to support national priorities in shipping, port services and marine logistics, while reducing the cost of training Kenyan seafarers abroad.

The university has reaffirmed that its programmes are aligned with KICD standards and national education policies as it continues to invest in modern training facilities.

Wärtsilä’s navigational simulators are market-leading solutions engineered to deliver highly realistic training experiences. They cover a broad spectrum of maritime scenarios, ensuring trainees gain hands-on experience using authentic equipment replicas, from traditional classroom setups to immersive virtual reality environments.

“At MKU Maritime Academy, the installation of these simulators aligns perfectly with the institution’s commitment to providing world-class education and producing graduates who meet international maritime standards,” Mr Muhia said.

Global partnerships

In November last year, MKU signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, marking a significant step towards strengthening maritime education and training in Kenya.

The partnership is expected to enhance the capacity of MKU’s Maritime Academy in Malindi to meet the growing global demand for skilled maritime professionals. The MoU was signed by MKU Founder and Chairman Prof. Simon Gicharu and Dr Yasser Al Wahedi, President of Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy.

“This partnership underscores MKU’s commitment to providing world-class maritime education and positioning Kenya as a leader in the Blue Economy,” Prof. Gicharu said. “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.”

Through the collaboration, MKU aims to support Kenya’s broader vision of harnessing the full potential of the Blue Economy. The MoU will facilitate knowledge exchange, curriculum development, internships and advanced training programmes for seafarers, engineers and maritime experts—professions that are critically needed to address the global shortage of maritime personnel.

Kenya’s strategic location along the Indian Ocean positions the country as a natural hub for maritime activity. The MKU Maritime Academy in Malindi serves both local and international students, offering specialised programmes aligned with global standards. The partnership will also open doors for joint research, faculty exchange and internship opportunities to ensure graduates are industry-ready.

Since its inception, the MKU Maritime Academy has trained numerous seafarers and continues to expand its programmes, from offering basic Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) courses to more advanced and competitive maritime qualifications.