Mount Kenya University (MKU) has announced a Ksh30 million research and innovation grant for 2025, aimed at empowering faculty and students to drive academic excellence and sustainable development. The funding will support conference participation, peer-reviewed publications, and groundbreaking research, with a particular focus on Kenya’s burgeoning Blue Economy.
The announcement was made during the landmark Blue Economy Research and Innovation Conference, hosted at MKU’s Mombasa Campus. The event, held under the theme “Research, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation for a Resilient Blue Economy,” brought together scholars, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore sustainable solutions for harnessing Kenya’s ocean resources.
Dr. Mercyline Kamande, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics and Research Affairs, inaugurated the conference, emphasizing the Blue Economy’s potential to address unemployment, environmental conservation, and food security. She urged students to transform their research into marketable innovations, reiterating MKU’s commitment to job creation and sustainable development.
Keynote speaker Mr. Stanley Ndege Chai, Secretary of Shipping & Logistics at the Executive Office of President William Ruto, highlighted Kenya’s underutilized ocean resources, particularly in deep-sea fishing, which boasts a global market worth $20 billion. He called on MKU to introduce a Maritime Law program to address critical legal gaps in piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime dispute resolution.
Dr. Henry Yatich, Principal of the College of Graduate Studies and Research, underscored the importance of global partnerships, citing collaborations with organizations like DAAD and Africa Meets Bavaria as pivotal in enhancing innovation opportunities for students.
The Ksh30 million grant and the renewed focus on maritime research mark a significant step in positioning MKU as a leader in academic innovation and sustainable development. The university’s efforts aim to unlock Kenya’s Blue Economy potential, fostering resilience and economic growth for future generations.
The conference concluded with a resounding call for sustained collaboration between academia, industry, and government to maximize the benefits of Kenya’s ocean resources. With this initiative, MKU has set a strong foundation for transformative research and innovation in the Blue Economy sector.
