Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hassan Joho has pledged to amicably resolve the grievances of the students at Bandari Maritime Academy.
His assurance comes after hundreds of students staged protests over alleged mismanagement at the institution disrupting learning activities unless their concerns were addressed.
Among their grievances included exorbitant fees, poor management, lack of sea time, and delays in issuing the Seafarer’s Identification Document (SID) among others.
Speaking during the distribution of government relief food to needy families in Mombasa during the holy month of Ramadan, CS Joho emphasized that the government and its people should not be in opposition but rather work together. He assured the students that their concerns would be heard and addressed.
“I know for a fact that SID is a big issue, and we are addressing it expeditiously so that we can conclude it for our people to carry the document that is required globally. Ordinarily, we should have it a year ago, but we are pushing for it to happen very soon and it will happen,” stated CS Joho.
He promised the students to find out why they are being charged Sh10,000 for attachment.
Bandari Maritime Academy student leader Isabella Oduka expressed frustration, stating that their requests for school fee subsidies have been ignored. She also noted that students have no clarity on how their fees are utilized.
The students lamented the poor condition of workshops, citing a lack of proper equipment and an inadequate learning environment.
They also demanded a reduction in school fees, which they described as exorbitant, and criticized the administration for failing to address their grievances. They vowed to boycott classes until their demands were met.
“We don’t attend workshops because there are too many students. There aren’t enough classrooms, and we are overcrowded,” said Oduka.
“We have been paying high school fees, yet the services we receive do not match the amount we pay,” added Saidimu Tauta, a student.
Regarding sea time, students demanded transparency in the Memorandum of Understanding signed with foreign nations. They called for accountability in the academy’s management.
Salim Dzuma further complained that students do not receive their examination results on time, and some teachers either skip classes or leave after only 30 minutes instead of completing the required teaching hours.
By Sadik Hassan
