Over the weekend, the Association of Maritime Practitioners-Kenya (AMPK) was founded in Mombasa.
Maritime professionals from the region attended the ceremony, including the first EA Captain (Master Mariner), Capt. Musa Ittiso, who was formally qualified as a Ship Captain by the UK government in Southampton in 1968.
Dr. Nancy Karigithu, PS State Department for Shipping and Maritime, kicked off the ceremony.
She said plans were set for the modernization of the Shipping industry in Kenya.
"The government is mobilizing resources to improve the maritime sector, to fit international status. Kenya hosts world-renowned players in the industry and we intend to keep it that way."
KPA Acting Managing Director Amb. John Mwangemi congratulated the launch of the association.
In his speech delivered by the Head of Marine Services Capt. Moses Muthama, the MD commended the idea which he termed timely considering the emerging complex challenges that require 21st-century solutions.
The Association was formally established by the Chief Guest, Gen. (rtd) Samson Mwathethe, Chairman of the Blue Economy Implementation Committee.
The event took place at the PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort: Mombasa Hotel in Mombasa, Kenya.
The Association will promote the professional interests of Kenya’s Merchant Navy officers, Marines, and related maritime practitioners.
The association also vowed to facilitate information sharing and provide a venue for engaging maritime stakeholders in Kenya’s Blue Economy goals.
Other dignitiaries at the event included Board Chairman Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation TASAC, Mr. Kaim Abdi Mkeyenge, Director General Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation TASAC, and Captain Abdullah Yusuf Mwingamno Director of Marine and Port Operations Tanzania Ports Authority
*This article was written by Gerald Gekara for Uzalendo News. Email: uzalendonews24@gmail.com to submit your story.
