Kenya Ports Authority(KPA) CEO Captain William Ruto (right) at the Malindi Maritime Academy, a subsidiary of MKU
Mount Kenya University (MKU) recently hosted a significant conference in Mombasa focused on the maritime economy. The event, themed “Research, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation for a Resilient Blue Economy,” brought together scholars, researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore sustainable solutions for the coastal region and beyond. The inaugural Research and Innovation Conference 2025 was held at MKU Plaza in Mombasa earlier this week.
The forum was officially opened by Dr. Mercyline Kamande, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics and Research Affairs at MKU, alongside Dr. Henry Yatich, Principal of the College of Graduate Studies and Research. Both emphasized the importance of the blue economy in addressing challenges faced by coastal communities, such as unemployment, environmental degradation, and food insecurity. The conference aligns with the Kenyan government’s efforts to harness the blue economy as a driver of economic growth, environmental conservation, and social inclusion.
Dr. Kamande urged students to transform their research into marketable innovations, highlighting MKU’s commitment to job creation through research and sustainability in the blue economy. She emphasized the university’s strategic plan (2025-2029) to decentralize research dissemination, ensuring that MKU campuses address regional challenges through innovation.
Keynote Address: Unlocking the Blue Economy’s Potential
Mr. Stanley Ndege Chai, Secretary of Shipping and Logistics at The Ocean and Blue Economy Office, delivered the keynote address. He highlighted the progress made in the blue economy following recent legislative advancements. “The blue economy holds immense potential, encompassing activities on land, shipping, and fishing,” he said.
Mr. Chai called on MKU to establish a program in Maritime Law, emphasizing the need for specialized training in areas such as piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime dispute resolution. “Maritime logistics research is another critical area that can bolster the blue economy,” he added. He also stressed the importance of collaboration and bold thinking to address research gaps and create innovative solutions for sustainable ocean resource management.
Additionally, Mr. Chai advocated for improved maritime infrastructure to support deep-sea fishing and reduce Kenya’s reliance on imported fish products. He noted that the global tuna fishing industry is worth $20 billion (Sh2.6 trillion), yet Kenya underutilizes its Indian Ocean resources.
Student and Faculty Presentations
The conference featured presentations from both students and faculty members, showcasing innovative projects and research. Victoria Chebet, a Bachelor of Business Information Technology (BIT) student, presented the Maji ni Uhai Project, which focuses on ocean conservation through awareness campaigns, plastic waste reduction, and marine ecosystem protection.
Gabriel Mwaingo, another BIT student, discussed the use of additive manufacturing and 3D printing technology to recycle plastic waste into high-quality filaments for creating educational tools and models.
Faculty members Phillip Bittok and Biko Magati Steve from the School of Computing and Informatics explored machine learning methods to predict metal contamination in Kenyan coastal waters, sediments, and marine life. They highlighted the importance of machine learning in improving forecast accuracy and enabling real-time data analysis for maritime pollution monitoring.
Dr. Zipporah Nyachwaya from the School of Business and Economics presented on Climate Finance and Entrepreneurial Opportunities in the Blue Economy. She called for financial interventions and regulatory changes to promote sustainable growth while addressing climate risks. “Blue bonds, blended finance mechanisms, and strengthened regulatory frameworks can drive private investment in the blue economy,” she said.
Maritime Logistics and Sustainable Growth
Dr. Conrad Ochego from MKU’s School of Business and Economics discussed the role of maritime logistics in driving sustainable growth. He noted that over 90% of Kenya’s international trade is conducted via sea, with cargo throughput at the Port of Mombasa increasing significantly in recent years. However, he questioned how this growth could be made sustainable.
Dr. Ochego outlined three key principles for sustainable maritime logistics: efficient transit, marine environment protection, and technological advancement. He recommended cost reduction, optimized shipping routes, and port performance improvements to enhance efficiency. He also emphasized the need for sustainable shipping practices, including the use of eco-friendly fuels and digital technologies.
Research Funding and Partnerships
Dr. Henry Yatich announced that MKU has allocated Sh30 million in research grants for 2025, with Sh20 million dedicated to school-based research projects and additional funding for master’s and PhD students. He also highlighted partnerships with international organizations, such as Africa Meets Bavaria (Germany) and Enrich Africa’s EU-AU collaboration, to support student innovation projects.
Dr. Barasa Wamalwa, MKU Mombasa Campus Director, commended partners like Ajira Digital, Swahilipot Hub, and Close the Gap for their support. He emphasized the importance of leveraging blue economy opportunities to address regional challenges and promote student-led research and innovation.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The conference concluded with a call to action for researchers, students, and policymakers to collaborate in developing innovative solutions for sustainable blue economy growth. Dr. Wamalwa stressed the need to translate insights from the conference into tangible actions. “By uniting under a common vision, Kenya can harness the immense potential of the ocean for the benefit of future generations,” he said.
In a related development, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) CEO Captain William Ruto recently visited the Malindi Maritime Academy, where he praised MKU’s investment in maritime education. He urged compliance with international standards and the introduction of more rating courses to enhance local training opportunities for KPA staff.
The conference underscored MKU’s commitment to advancing research, innovation, and sustainability in the blue economy, positioning Kenya as a leader in sustainable ocean resource management.
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