Profile: STARA KESI BAKARI

Mechanical & Marine Engineer

WOMESA Tanzania Chapter has been my foundation, shaping me to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical and Marine Engineering, and more importantly, giving me visibility and access to national and international engineering and maritime platforms.

During the course of my training and early professional development, I have had the opportunity to gain diverse and practical experience in both industrial and mechanical engineering environments, as well as in marine engineering operations.

In 2021, I undertook my initial Industrial Practical Training at the TAZARA Workshop, where I was introduced to core mechanical engineering skills such as equipment maintenance, fitting and machining, welding, and general workshop practices. This foundation allowed me to build technical confidence and understand the importance of precision and safety in engineering operations.

Following that, I continued my Industrial Practical Training at the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) in 2022 and 2023. My time at TPA exposed me to large-scale industrial systems, port machinery operations, and infrastructure maintenance. I was actively involved in learning how port operations are managed, and I gained hands-on experience with mechanical and hydraulic systems critical to cargo handling and transport logistics.

In addition to my land-based training, I completed six months of sea service as an Engine Cadet aboard the BLUE ECONOMY 1, a landing craft operating along the coast of Tanzania. This sea service allowed me to apply my engineering knowledge in a marine setting. I was involved in daily engine room operations, routine maintenance of propulsion and auxiliary systems, monitoring of engine parameters, and emergency procedures. The experience not only enhanced my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of teamwork, discipline, and adaptability in a demanding offshore environment.