MKU Mombasa hosts inaugural research and innovation conference on blue economy

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has hosted a major conference in Mombasa on the maritime economy.

The workshop convened a diverse group of scholars, researchers, innovators, industry leaders and policymakers to engage in discussions centered on the theme “Research, Entrepreneurship and Innovation for a Resilient Blue Economy.” 

The inaugural Research and Innovation Conference 2025 at MKU Mombasa campus took place at MKU Plaza in Mombasa town earlier this week.

Dr. Mercyline Kamande, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics & Research Affairs at MKU, officially inaugurated the forum, which was also graced by Dr. Henry Yatich, Principal of the College of Graduate Studies & Research. They recognized the value of the blue economy and its capacity to solve the problems facing the coastal area.

The theme of the conference is closely aligned with the government's initiative to leverage the Blue Economy as a means to tackle unemployment, promote environmental conservation, foster diversity and inclusion, and ensure food security. The event is part of MKU’s strategic plan (2025-2029) to decentralize research dissemination, ensuring that MKU campuses respond to regional challenges through research and innovation.

Dr. Kamande encouraged students to translate their research into marketable innovations, noting that MKU is at the forefront of job creation through research, innovation, and sustainability in the Blue Economy.

Keynote speaker, Mr. Stanley Ndege Chai, Secretary of Shipping & Logistics at The Ocean & Blue Economy Office, part of the Executive Office of President William Ruto emphasized the advancements in the Blue Economy resulting from the passage of legislation in Parliament.

“There is a huge potential within the blue economy, which encompasses various activities including those on land, shipping and fishing,” he said.

Chai urged the university to initiate a programme in Maritime Law. “There are opportunities for MKU to offer legal training in piracy, illegal fishing and maritime dispute resolutions. These initiative will close the training and professional divide in the prosecution of crimes committed on the seas and oceans. Maritime logistics research is also a prime opportunity that bolsters the blue economy,” he said.

Moreover, he noted, as Kenyans examined research gaps and sought innovative solutions for the blue economy, it is crucial to think boldly and collaborate effectively. “We must leverage our combined knowledge to create a robust blue economy that protects our ocean heritage for the benefit of future generations. By uniting our efforts, we have the potential to elevate Kenya to the forefront of sustainable ocean resource management, all while guaranteeing that our communities enjoy the rewards of this transformation,” Mr. Chai said.

Mr. Chai called for improved maritime infrastructure to support deep-sea fishing and reduce dependency on imported fish products. “The economic potential of tuna fishing is huge, worth USD20 billion (Sh. 2.6 trillion) globally, yet Kenya underutilizes its Indian Ocean resources,” he added.

Swahili Port

Mr. Ayub Mohamed, the Campus Programme Manager at Swahilipot Hub, who has been collaborating with MKU Mombasa on a range of initiatives, emphasized the role of Swahili pot Hub in fostering innovations aimed at propelling the economic growth of the coastal region. Located in Mombasa, Swahili pot Hub Foundation is non-profit organization that focuses on innovation and technology. It serves as a community-driven space that promotes technology, entrepreneurship.

Two presentations were delivered by students, while four were presented by the teaching staff. Victoria Chebet, a student of Bachelor of Business Information Technology (BIT) programme discussed the Maji ni Uhai Project. This initiative focuses on ocean conservation, aiming to mitigate marine pollution via heightened awareness of its effects, the reduction of plastic waste, and the protection of marine ecosystems.

Gabriel Mwaingo, also a BIT student, delivered a presentation focused on the innovative use of additive manufacturing and 3D printing technology. His discussion centered on the potential to recycle plastic waste into high-quality 3D filaments, which can then be utilised to create visual learning aids and models.

Phillip Bitok and Biko Magati Steve from the School of Computing and Informatics examined Machine Learning Methods to forecast metal contamination in Kenyan coastal water, sediments, and fauna. They said machine learning improved forecast accuracy and enabled real-time data analysis in maritime pollution monitoring, highlighting its importance.

The learners stressed that future research must address scalability, cost reduction, and regulatory integration. 

“The government, private sector and academia must partner for a sustainable Blue Economy,” they noted.

Dr. Zipporah Nyachwaya from the School of Business and Economics delivered an analysis on Climate Finance and Entrepreneurial Opportunities within the Blue Economy to promote sustainable growth in the face of climate change. She called for deliberate financial interventions and legislative changes to capitalize on the blue economy while tackling climate dangers.

“Using regulatory-driven blue bonds and financial incentives can boost private investment in blue finance. It is important also to strengthen regulatory frameworks with blue carbon plans and international funding channels to support healthy marine economies,” she added.

She proposed mobilization capital through blended finance mechanisms, strengthening environmental, social, and governance oversight, and elimination of harmful subsidies that hinder conservation initiatives to expand sustainable financing. She also described a strategy for using climate finance to tap into blue economy entrepreneurial opportunities, arguing for sustainable growth in the face of climate change's critical concerns.

“Strategic investments in capacity building, skills training, and coastal sustainable livelihood projects are essential for community engagement. This technique empowers local communities to participate in and benefit from the blue economy,” said Dr. Nyachwaya.

According to the National Maritime Transport Policy, more than 90 per cent of Kenya's international trade is carried out by sea, noted Dr. Conrad Ochego from MKU’s School of Business and Economics. 

“Cargo throughput at the Port of Mombasa rose from 33.88 million metric tonnes in 2022 to 35.98 million in 2023 while container traffic grew 11.9PC to 1.62 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in 2023,” he said.

Despite such optimistic sector growth estimates, Dr. Ochego asked: How can we ensure this expansion is sustainable? In his presentation dubbed “Maritime Logistics: A Catalyst for Sustainable Growth of the Blue Economy,” he identified three key maritime logistics principles: efficient transit, marine environment protection, and technical advancement.

“Cost reduction, shipping route optimisation, and port performance improvements can increase efficiency. However, environmental protection requires responsible waste management, oil spill prevention and sustainable shipping,” he added.

He also stressed the importance of technology, recommending sustainable fuels, energy-efficient boats, and digital technologies to improve operating efficiency.

“There is a need for stakeholder collaboration to promote maritime logistics sustainability in the future,” he added. He made several strategic recommendations, including integrated transport networks to improve connectivity, port infrastructure improvements to boost efficiency and competitiveness, and sustainable shipping practices through innovation and regulation.

According Dr. Yatich, Principal, College of Graduate Studies and Research, the university has set aside Sh30 million in research grants to support faculty research, conference participation, and publication in peer-reviewed journals this year. Out of this, Sh. 20 million will fund school-based research grants, with also dedicated  funding for master’s and PhD students research component alongside the schools research proposals.

He asked for continued support for students’ innovation projects, including partnerships such as Africa Meets Bavaria (Germany), AGEA Business Idea Competition (Leipzig-Germany), and Enrich Africa’s EU-AU collaboration from South Africa. 

“The DAAD-funded ACCESS 2.0 project, will provide annual business competition and boot camp opportunities for students from 10 partner universities in Kenya,” he noted.

Dr. Barasa Wamalwa, the MKU Mombasa campus director, commended partners such as Ajira Digital, Swahili pot 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. He also lauded the Vice-Chancellor’s Research and Innovation Grant, which supported the inaugural workshop.

Dr. Wamalwa highlighted the pivotal role that education plays in shaping the future of the Blue Economy. He stressed its significance in raising awareness about marine environments and in providing individuals with the essential knowledge and skills required to cultivate and execute sustainable practices.

The workshop concluded with a call to action for researchers, students, and policymakers to collaborate in developing innovative solutions for sustainable Blue Economy growth in Kenya. 

“The insights articulated during this conference must now evolve into tangible actions. By uniting under a common vision and taking bold actions, Kenya stands poised to capitalize on the immense possibilities presented by the ocean,” said Dr. Wamalwa.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Ports Authority(KPA) CEO Captain William Ruto recently visited the Malindi Maritime Academy, received by MKU Chairman Board of Directors and Founder, Prof. Simon Gicharu and Dr. Christopher Mutembei. Mr. Ruto praised MKU’s bold investment in maritime education, urged STCW compliance; more Rating courses, and noted KPA will benefit as staff can now train locally.