Tom Mboya University is set to offer shipbuilding courses following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Kenya Shipyard Limited (KSL) to establish a center of excellence for ship construction, maintenance, and repair.
The university’s Vice Chancellor, Charles Ochola, highlighted that this initiative represents a strategic focus on the blue economy, aiming to create opportunities in sectors such as fisheries, water science, and transport.
Speaking at the university in Homa Bay, Ochola added that the institution has developed and submitted programs to the Commission for University Education aimed at supporting the environment and economy of Lake Victoria.
Ochola emphasized that universities should not only focus on research and academics but also offer programs that provide artisan skills for individuals interested in practical trades.
KSL’s Managing Director, Major General Said Mohamed Farah, said the partnership will incorporate cutting-edge technology into training, preparing students for certification and job opportunities both locally and internationally.
“The center will serve as a hub for acquiring top-tier shipbuilding skills, enhancing innovation, capacity building, and research in the field,” he explained. Farah also stressed the importance of shipbuilding as a cornerstone of the blue economy, vital for maritime trade, and expressed KSL’s ambition to lead the industry.
The collaboration will offer training to fishermen and residents along Lake Victoria on modern vessel construction techniques.
Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga welcomed the partnership, noting that it represents a significant step towards reducing accidents on the lake and supporting the blue economy.
“This collaboration brings together academia and industry to create a skilled workforce for the blue economy, boosting economic development in the county,” Wanga said.
She also pointed out that the county has a ready market for water vessels, given the large fishing community, and assured that her administration would support the project by providing land for vessel testing.
“The land at the Riwa Special Economic Zone will be used for practical sessions, where university students and KSL will test assembled vessels,” Wanga added.
Dr. Roseline Owuor, Director for Research at the State Department of Higher Education and Research, encouraged further partnerships between academia, industry, and government agencies to ensure that educational institutions produce graduates who can meet the evolving needs of both the workplace and private sector.
