The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) inspects the guard of honor.
Forty Marine Cadets from the Department of Marine Engineering and Maritime Operations, have completed the first locally conducted month-long Marine Cadet Training at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). The Cadets showcased their skills during a pass-out parade on Friday, June 3, 2022.
The rigorous training that saw 9 female and 31 male cadets graduate, commenced on May 6, 2022 at the JKUAT Physical Fitness Training Centre. The training equipped the cadets with the requisite skills in firefighting and prevention as well as first aid among others.
Speaking during the function, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi noted that initially, the University had been conducting the training at the National Youth Service in Gilgil before developing a curriculum for the training and constructing the Physical Fitness Training Centre.
The development of the curriculum and the construction of the training centre she said, made it possible to conduct the Marine Cadet Training course at JKUAT.
“Today we actualize the first fruits of these efforts by witnessing the passing out of 40 marine cadets, comprising of 9 female cadets and 31 male cadets,” Prof. Ngumi said in remarks read on her behalf by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Prof. Robert Kinyua.
With JKUAT being the first public University to offer the 5year Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering course, Prof. Ngumi said, the introduction of this programme was in line with the University’s goal in producing skilled human resource for the sustainable exploitation of the vast blue economy.
Juma Muhsin receives the Best Overall Marine Cadet Award from the DVC AA Prof. Robert Kinyua.
“We remain committed to ensure quality is not compromised when it comes to training students who are ready to impact the society positively,” Prof. Ngumi observed.
The Vice Chancellor commended the Department of Marine Engineering and Maritime Operations and School of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Materials Engineering (SOMMME) for making the training a reality and assured them of support from Management to ensure quality training of Marine Engineering is maintained and continuously improved.
On his part, Principal, College of Engineering and Technology (COETEC), Dr. Hiram Ndiritu said the training will instill discipline, orderliness and integrity values which he noted, are important in character development of the cadets.
Dr. Ndiritu lauded the students for their training commitment and for being pioneers of the Marine Cadet Training at JKUAT, further urging them to carry the JKUAT flag high once they commence their careers in the maritime sector.
Exuding confidence in the cadets’ readiness for the competitive Maritime world, Chairman, Department of Marine Engineering and Maritime Operations, Dr. Jotham Munyalo said JKUAT is renowned in producing holistic students especially disciplined marine engineers.
“The Department of Marine Engineering and Maritime operations strives to produce qualified Marine Engineers who have excelled in the disciplined forces or industry.” Dr. Munyalo stated.
He appreciated the University Management for their support that ensured the smooth running of the training.
The training, which lays emphasis on the physical fitness aspect of the trainees due to the nature of work at the sea, is offered in accordance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements as stated in the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW code and convention 1978, as amended in 2010).
The ceremony was also addressed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance), Prof. Bernard Ikua, Dean, SOMMME, Dr. Onesmus Muvengei and the Registrar Academic Affairs, Dr. Esther Mworia.
First JKUAT-trained Marine Cadets clad in their pass-out apparel, custom-made by the JKUAT Tailoring Department.