By: Mariam Kidhangi & Justin Muta
At the forefront of marine and fisheries research in Kenya stands Prof. Cosmas Nzaka Munga, a distinguished scholar whose dedication to marine and fisheries sciences, student mentorship, and international research collaboration continues to shape the future of ocean and ecosystem studies in Kenya and the Western Indian Ocean region at large.
Prof. Munga serves in the Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences at the Technical University of Mombasa, where he teaches marine and fisheries sciences while spearheading impactful regional and international research initiatives.
His journey into marine sciences began at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, where he worked as a research assistant and progressed to a full Research Scientist. It was during this period that his passion for marine ecosystems and fisheries management took root. With a growing interest in ecological conservation and ocean studies, he pursued a Master’s Degree in Ecological Marine Management at Free University of Brussels, followed by a PhD in Marine Sciences at Ghent University in Belgium.
Joining TUM marked what he describes as a “game changer” in his career. Moving from pure research into academia allowed him to combine teaching, mentorship, and applied science. Through this transition, he found fulfillment in guiding students through research projects and witnessing them graduate into professionals contributing to science and society.
Prof. Munga has since supervised more than 20 Master’s students and 3 PhD students to successful completion, while continuing to mentor several others who are currently undertaking postgraduate programs, both local and international. His supervision extends beyond Kenya through collaborations with institutions such as the University of Bremen (Germany), Free University of Brussels (Belgium), Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium), and University of Witwatersrand (South Africa).
His passion for mentorship deepened further with the introduction of the Master of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture program at TUM. Through the program, he has played a critical role in nurturing the next generation of marine and fisheries scientists and researchers.
Beyond supervision, Prof. Munga has actively contributed to global academic exchange programs. He serves as the Local Coordinator for the international Erasmus Mundus Master of Science program in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems (TROPIMUNDO). The program, coordinated from Belgium under Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), brings together more than 13 universities across Africa, Asia, Europe, America and the Caribbean.
The TROPIMUNDO program, coordinated by ULB in Belgium, brings together universities across Africa, Europe, Asia, South America and the Caribbean to promote advanced training in tropical biodiversity and ecosystems.
Since 2023, TUM has hosted international students under the TROPIMUNDO program, offering them practical field experiences in Kenya’s diverse ecosystems, including savannah landscapes and national parks. According to Prof. Munga, the hands-on learning approach gives students valuable exposure beyond classroom education.
He noted that the program is increasingly creating opportunities for Kenyan students, especially graduates from TUM’s marine and fisheries programs, to access internationally funded scholarships and global academic networks.
“Our Bachelor of Science programs in Marine Resource Management and Fisheries and Oceanography are very competitive. Our students are highly considered when they apply, and we are better placed in terms of sending students into such international programs,” he stated.
Prof. Munga is currently the Principal Investigator of a WIOMSA-funded SCALABLE Project on advancing 'Science to management through engagement of stakeholders in the Western Indian Ocean Estuarine Systems'. This project is implemented in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa through TUM, University of Dar es Salaam Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Eduardo Mondlane, and Oceanographic Institute of South Africa, with external collaboration of the Norwegian Institute of Fisheries.
Additionally, he collaborates on another international project funded by the Flemish Government known as SAVE FISH, which examines the ecological status and health indicators of fish populations. Under this initiative, he co-supervises a PhD student undertaking a joint doctoral program between TUM and the Free University of Brussels, Belgium.
Throughout his career, Prof. Munga has also championed scientific networking and experiential learning through summer schools and regional research collaborations. These programs bring together scientists and students from across Africa and beyond, creating opportunities for practical learning, knowledge exchange, and research advancement. Prof. Munga also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Multidisciplinary Journal of Technical University of Mombasa, and a member of Editorial Board of the Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Sciences.
Beyond academia and research, Prof. Munga values family, community engagement, and personal wellness. He actively participates in church community activities through his Jumuiya group, enjoys visiting his rural home in Kokotoni, and spends time managing his small farm. He also emphasizes the importance of physical fitness through regular evening jogging.
To young scholars and aspiring researchers, Prof. Cosmas Munga encourages dedication to academic excellence and postgraduate specialisation.
Number of scientific publications: Over 60
Email: ckamunga2014@tum.ac.ke
