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Bandari Maritime Academy appoints Eric Lewa Katana as CEO

The new Chief Executive Officer of Bandari Maritime Academy Dr Eric Lewa Katana. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

By Farhiya Hussein | Monday, February 12, 2024

His extensive career includes tenure at the Kenya Ports Authority where he held various positions, steadily ascending to the role of Principal Port Logistics Officer.

The Board of Directors of the Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA) has appointed Dr Eric Lewa Katana as the Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective February 12, 2024.

Dr Katana brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having distinguished himself as a seasoned maritime administrator with a proven track record of service within the sector.

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Before his appointment at BMA, he served as the Principal at the Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA) Mombasa Campus.

His extensive career includes tenure at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), where he held various positions, steadily ascending to the role of Principal Port Logistics Officer.

Katana boasts a Bachelor of Science (Honors) Degree from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), a Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of Nairobi, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Administration from JKUAT, and a Diploma in Business Management from the Kenya Institute of Management.

Specialised training

He also has specialised training in maritime, transport, and logistics, both domestically and internationally.

Katana has authored and presented research papers on maritime strategy, gaining recognition within the industry and contributing significantly to scholarly discourse as an editor of maritime journals.

He organised the first-ever research conference for the International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME) on the African continent.

His professional affiliations include membership in IAME, the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), the Institute of Economic Affairs-Kenya, and a position as a Sector Training Committee member of the Transport, Storage, Communication, and Allied Agencies at the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).

The Board of Directors expressed confidence in Katana's ability to steer BMA towards its strategic objectives, lauding his diverse experience and visionary leadership.

The announcement also acknowledged the stewardship of the outgoing acting CEO Francis Muraya.

"With Dr Katana at the helm, BMA anticipates a period of sustained growth and innovation in Kenya's maritime training sector. His appointment heralds a new chapter for the academy, marked by a commitment to excellence and the advancement of maritime education and industry standards," BMA said in a statement.