The College of Engineering and Technology (COETEC) at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) celebrated another milestone in maritime education as 43 Marine Engineering cadets successfully completed their physical fitness training during the University’s fifth pass-out parade. The ceremony, held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the JKUAT Pavilion, marked the cadets’ successful completion of an intensive programme designed to prepare them for the demanding standards of the international maritime industry.
The graduating cohort comprised 33 male and 10 female cadets, who impressed guests with well-coordinated drills and demonstrations reflecting the discipline, resilience, teamwork, and professionalism expected of future marine engineers.
The one-month training programme, conducted at the JKUAT Physical Fitness Training Centre, formed an integral part of the University’s Marine Engineering curriculum. Delivered in compliance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, the programme equipped cadets with practical competencies in physical fitness, leadership, command and control, elementary first aid, personal survival techniques, fire prevention and firefighting, as well as personal safety and social responsibility.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi, commended the Marine Engineering programme for consistently producing graduates who continue to excel in both sea-going and shore-based maritime careers across the world.
“Our graduates have built an impressive reputation within the international maritime industry. Their professionalism and competence have opened opportunities with some of the world’s leading shipping companies, demonstrating the quality of education and training offered at JKUAT,” she said.
Prof. Ngumi further observed that adherence to internationally recognized maritime training standards enables graduates to pursue careers beyond Kenya’s borders. She welcomed the recent recognition agreements signed between Kenya and countries such as Singapore and South Korea, noting that they will further expand employment opportunities for Kenyan marine engineers.
The Dean, School of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Materials Engineering (SOMMME), Dr. Onesmus Muvengei, highlighted the programme’s growing international reputation, citing the recognition received from the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association during President William Ruto’s State Visit to Norway earlier this year.
“The positive feedback from international maritime stakeholders reflects the quality of our training. It demonstrates that our graduates possess the competencies required to thrive in highly competitive global maritime environments,” Dr. Muvengei remarked.
Speaking on the programme’s progress, Chairperson of the Department of Marine Engineering, Dr. Jotham Munyalo, noted that the department has experienced remarkable growth since its establishment and continues to attract increasing interest from both students and international employers.
“The demand for our graduates continues to rise. Even before graduation, several international shipping companies have already expressed interest in recruiting members of the upcoming graduating class. This growing confidence is a clear indication of the quality of our programme,” he said.
Dr. Munyalo added that the department is working towards establishing a fully-fledged School of Maritime Studies, which will strengthen maritime education through specialized academic programmes, research, innovation, professional training, and stronger collaboration with industry partners.
He also applauded the cadets for their commitment throughout the intensive training, describing their successful completion of the programme as evidence of determination, discipline, and perseverance.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Parade Commander Gedeon Kiprono, a first-year Marine Engineering student, described the training as a life-changing experience that equipped cadets with qualities that extend beyond the classroom.
“The programme challenged us physically and mentally, teaching us discipline, teamwork, leadership, and confidence. These experiences have prepared us to face the responsibilities and demands of the maritime profession with determination,” he said.
The successful pass-out parade once again demonstrated COETEC’s dedication to producing globally competitive engineers through experiential learning, internationally accredited training, and strong industry engagement. By combining academic excellence with practical professional development, the College continues to position its graduates for rewarding careers within the rapidly expanding global maritime and blue economy sectors.
