MKU Graduate Embarks on Global Career After Seven-Day Maritime Program
This is yet another successful testimonial from Mount Kenya University’s Maritime Academy. Yahya Mohamed Riadha, the featured graduate, is joining a U.S.-based cruise ship after completing just seven days of intensive training. Yahya Mohamed Riadha joins over 100 Maritime Academy alumni who have secured jobs in various international cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line, Aida cruises, Ritz Carlton yacht collection, Crystals Cruises —highlighting the Academy’s growing reputation for producing job-ready maritime professionals.
Featured in the TV47 show Home of the Untold Stories, Yahya Mohamed Riadha journey is a powerful reflection of the academy’s impact and the global opportunities now accessible to its graduates (watch the video here).
Global Impact through Focused Training
The Maritime Academy—part of MKU’s broader efforts to respond to Kenya’s Blue Economy strategy—offers specialized, short-term training tailored to meet international maritime labor standards. The featured graduate completed a seven-day program focused on key practical and safety competencies required for maritime deployment. The program also emphasized soft skills, interview preparation, and global workplace orientation, equipping students with both technical expertise and confidence to thrive abroad.
From Classroom to Global Employment
What makes this story remarkable is the speed and scale of impact. Within days of completing the training, the graduate secured a job placement in the United States—a testament to both the academy’s quality and the strong employer linkages established by the institution. According to MKU’s Maritime Academy team, such success stories are becoming more common as demand for skilled Kenyan maritime professionals grows globally.
“Our goal is not just to train, but to transform lives,” said one of the Maritime Academy trainers. “We’re proud that our programs can directly lead to international job opportunities.”
Empowering Youth Through Maritime Careers
The success story reflects MKU’s commitment to youth empowerment and practical education. With many Kenyan youths struggling to access gainful employment, MKU’s Maritime Academy opens a new frontier of opportunity—particularly for students from coastal and marginalized regions. The academy collaborates with local and international agencies to ensure its training aligns with market needs, enabling students to compete for maritime jobs across the globe.
“I never imagined I’d be working in the U.S. just days after training,” shared the graduate during the interview. “MKU made that dream possible.”
Setting a Benchmark for Future Cohorts
This milestone sets a precedent for future trainees. MKU plans to expand its maritime programs and strengthen ties with shipping lines and international recruiters. With Kenya poised to play a bigger role in the global maritime economy, MKU’s hands-on, fast-track training model positions it as a national leader in maritime education.
