Marine Engineering Cadets Complete Physical Fitness Training – Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

*Marine Engineering cadets showcase the skills acquired during their physical fitness training at JKUAT.*

Forty-three (43) Marine Engineering cadets at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) have successfully completed their physical fitness training, marking a significant milestone during the University’s fifth pass-out parade as they prepare for careers in the global shipping industry.

During a colorful ceremony held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at JKUAT Pavilion, 33 male and 10 female cadets showcased a range of skills acquired during their training, demonstrating the knowledge, discipline, and practical competencies required for professional service at sea.

The one-month intensive training, conducted at the JKUAT Physical Fitness Training Centre, equipped the cadets with essential skills in physical fitness, command and control, leadership, elementary first aid, and maritime drills, among others required to prepare them for the rigors of the maritime profession.

*Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Ngumi delivers her remarks during the Marine Engineering pass-out ceremony held at the University Pavilion.*

Conducted in accordance with the International Maritime Organization’s International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, the programme also equipped the cadets with essential competencies in personal safety and social responsibility, personal survival techniques, and fire prevention and firefighting.

Speaking during the pass-out ceremony, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi said JKUAT’s Marine Engineering programme continues to produce highly skilled graduates who excel both as seafarers and in shore-based maritime industries across the world.

“Our graduates continue to distinguish themselves internationally, with many serving in leading global shipping companies such as Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Maersk, and BW Epic Kosan, among others,” said Prof. Ngumi.

The Vice Chancellor noted that the skills acquired by the cadets prepare them for the demanding standards of the global maritime industry, enabling them to excel both at sea and in shore-based maritime careers.

*Marine Engineering cadets march during the fifth JKUAT pass-out parade.*

Prof. Ngumi further emphasized that the training is conducted in strict adherence to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), ensures the graduates meet internationally recognized standards for the maritime profession.

“The growing global recognition of our graduates is evident from recent developments in the maritime sector. I am proud to note that Kenya has successfully signed Certificates of Competency (CoC) recognition agreements with Singapore and South Korea,” Prof. Ngumi stated.

The Dean, School of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Materials Engineering (SOMMME), Dr. Onesmus Muvengei, said, JKUAT’s Marine Engineering programme continues to earn international recognition, citing the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association’s commendation of the University’s high-quality maritime training during President William Ruto’s State Visit to Norway in June this year.

*Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Ngumi inspects the guard of honour mounted by the Marine Engineering cadets during the pass-out ceremony.*

The Chairperson of the Department of Marine Engineering, Dr. Jotham Munyalo, highlighted the programme’s remarkable growth since 2010 noting the programme’s steady growth in producing highly skilled marine engineers serving in the local and international maritime industry.

“International shipping companies are increasingly seeking our graduates. This is demonstrated by the August 2026 graduating class, where one international shipping company has already requested 10 graduates for immediate recruitment,” said Dr. Munyalo.

He said, the department plans to introduce new academic programmes as it works toward establishing a fully fledged School of Maritime Studies that will serve as a regional centre of excellence in maritime education, professional training, research, innovation, and industry engagement.

He also noted the steady increase in enrolment in the Marine Engineering programme and commended the new cadets for their discipline, perseverance, resilience, and commitment in successfully completing the training.

Parade Commander and first-year Marine Engineering student, Gedeon Kiprono, described the training as a transformative experience that instilled discipline, teamwork, leadership, and confidence required for the demands of a career in the maritime profession.