The first group of JKUAT Marine Engineering students has successfully completed its month long cadet training at the National Youth Service (NYS) College in Gilgil. The training is part of the requirement under the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping (STCW). It aims to equip Marine Engineering students, world over, with competence in personal survival techniques, personal safety, fire prevention, fire fighting and life skills before they can go to the sea.
JKUAT graduates will undertake these proficiency courses to be certified by Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) as mandated by the IMO. The training at NYS, which was the first of its kind, is part of preparation for the above course and it prepares them for careers in the shipping industry. The cadets showcased some of the skills that they had acquired during the training in a colourful parade during the passing out ceremony.
In her speech, read by the acting Dean, School of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Materials Engineering Dr. Eng. B. W. Ikua, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Mabel Imbuga congratulated the cadets and thanked the management of NYS for their time and resources which led to the successful implementation of the training programme.
The parade that was presided over by Mr. C. T. Muchiri, the Deputy Director General of the NYS was also attended by Mr. Edward Osore, the Commandant of the NYS College, and the Commanding Officer, Senior Staff Training Wing, Mr. Patrick Muchai. Other guests included Captain Dave N. Mulli, who represented the Secretary General of Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA). In his remarks, the Chief Guest called for greater collaboration between JKUAT and NYS on thematic areas of mutual interest.
The JKUAT team included staff from the School of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Materials Engineering (SoMMME), Research, Production and Extension`(RPE) and Academic Affairs (AA) divisions, as well as Sports Department.