Mount Kenya University (MKU) has committed Ksh30 million in research and inovation grants this year to support faculty and student research.
The funding will facilitate conference participation and peer-reviewed publications, reinforcing the university’s dedication to academic excellence and innovation.
With the Ksh30 million research grant and a renewed focus on maritime research and innovation, MKU has set a strong foundation for groundbreaking research and sustainable development in Kenya’s Blue Economy.
The announcement was made during a landmark Blue Economy Research and Innovation Conference hosted at MKU Mombasa Campus.
The event, held at MKU Plaza, convened scholars, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore sustainable solutions for harnessing Kenya’s ocean resources under the theme: “Research, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation for a Resilient Blue Economy.
The conference commenced with a strong call for sustained collaboration between academia, industry, and government to maximize Kenya’s Blue Economy potential.
Principal of the College of Graduate Studies and Research Dr. Henry Yatich, emphasized the importance of global partnerships, citing organizations such as DAAD and Africa Meets Bavaria as crucial in boosting innovation opportunities for students.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics and Research Affairs Dr. Mercyline Kamande, inaugurated the conference, underscoring the Blue Economy’s potential to tackle unemployment, environmental conservation, and food security.
She urged students to transform their research into marketable innovations, reaffirming MKU’s commitment to job creation and sustainable development.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Stanley Ndege Chai, Secretary of Shipping & Logistics at the Executive Office of President William Ruto, highlighted legislative progress in the Blue Economy sector.
He pointed out Kenya’s underutilization of its vast ocean resources, particularly in deep-sea fishing, which has a global market worth $20 billion.
He also urged MKU to introduce a Maritime Law program to address legal gaps in areas such as piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime dispute resolution.
