By: Mariam Kidhangi
On 4th August 2025, the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) hosted Ms. Nancy Karigithu, Kenya's Special Envoy and Advisor on Maritime and Blue Economy at the Executive Office of the President and Ms. Beth Elliot, Head of Communications at Lloyd’s Register Foundation, during a courtesy visit ahead of the official launch of the Ocean Centre in Kenya.
The visit aimed to discuss Maritime research collaboration and formally invite TUM to participate in the launch event scheduled for 6th August at English Point Marina, Mombasa. The Ocean Centre is part of a global initiative led by Lloyd’s Register Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), focusing on safety and sustainability in the growing blue economy.
During the visit, Vice Chancellor Prof. Laila Abubakar shared the rich history and academic contributions of TUM, reaffirming the university’s commitment to supporting sustainable maritime development. She was joined by Prof. Peter Gichangi, Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic, Research and Extension, Captain Talib Ibrahim, Director of the Institute of Maritime and Seafarers Studies, and Ms. Diana Otieno, Administrative Assistant at the institute.
Ms. Beth Elliot provided an overview of the Ocean Centre initiative, which seeks to bring together key stakeholders in the ocean economy, ranging from shipping and ports, fishing and aquaculture, offshore renewables, to finance and investment. The initiative, currently being rolled out in seven countries, including Kenya, aims to identify safety and sustainability challenges through a series of workshops and co-create solutions with local partners.
“It is crucial for us to work with universities like TUM to tap into local expertise and research. The Ocean Centres are driven by local needs, not dictated by global offices,” noted Ms. Elliot.
The Director further informed the meeting of the research capacity of the Institute. This capacity is domiciled within the Institute's Maritime Research, Innovation and Liaison (MRIL) Committee, which is chaired by Capt. Suleiman Bakari. On behalf of the MRIL Committee, the Director affirmed the intent to partner with Lloyds Foundation in Maritime Research, especially research touching on Seafarers.
TUM’s inclusion in this high-level initiative reflects the University’s growing role in maritime education, research, and community engagement within Kenya and across the region.
