Nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria, the Kenya Railways Railway Training Institute (RTI)-Kisumu Campus is rapidly emerging as a transformative hub for maritime education and regional development. Revived in partnership with the World Bank through the Kenya Transport Sector Support Programme, the institution is rekindling Kenya’s rich marine heritage while steering the blue economy forward.
Originally active from 1964 to 1992, the revamped campus now boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including modern hostels, a conference centre, a fire safety school, and a training pool. According to Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga, the school was designed to serve not just Kenya but the broader East African region. Indeed, students from Uganda, Burundi, and the DRC have already shown interest, signaling growing regional demand for quality maritime training.
Currently training around 400 students, RTI-Kisumu offers critical programs such as the Coxswain Level III, a Diploma and Certificate in Maritime Transport and Logistics, and the globally recognized Marine Basic Safety Training (STCW). These courses are geared towards enhancing safety and navigation on Lake Victoria and preparing graduates for international careers in maritime operations.
The impact on the local community is evident. Scholarships from the Kisumu County Government have enabled many young residents to access life-changing training and employment opportunities. According to Campus Head Stephen Adwera Ojuang’, short courses like Coxswain Level III are especially impactful for lake transport and are equipping students with vital safety and navigation skills.
Looking ahead, RTI-Kisumu plans to expand its offerings to include courses in Tourism and Hospitality, Food and Beverage Production, and Marine Entrepreneurship. Collaborations with regional institutions such as Cameroon’s Taaka Maritime Higher Institution and Uganda’s Blue Waters Agency further underline its growing influence.
As Kenya strengthens its blue economy, RTI-Kisumu stands as a beacon of opportunity cultivating skilled professionals and positioning Kisumu as the region’s leading hub for inland maritime logistics and training.
