By: Mariam Kidhangi
The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Spearhead Technologies, an Internet of Things (IoT) company providing accurate, real-time data to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. The partnership will strengthen collaboration in water management, digital innovation, research, and industry-driven skills development.
The agreement was signed on Friday, August 7, 2026, during an engagement held at the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom.
Prof. Laila Abubakar welcomed the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of partnerships between universities and industry in advancing teaching, research, innovation and skills development.
She underscored the need for technology interventions to be informed by the actual needs of communities, particularly in the Coast region, where challenges related to water management, sanitation, climate change and ageing infrastructure require sustainable and integrated solutions.
During the engagement, Mr Kennon Mbae, Finance Expert from Spearhead Technologies, showcased a range of technology-driven solutions in the water sector, including water source monitoring, open-channel monitoring, wastewater monitoring and utility management. He also highlighted how the Water Resources Authority (WRA) applies technology to improve water resource monitoring and management.
He further noted that such technologies can help improve access to clean, affordable water for communities.
Mr Shumaa Mwangome, Business Development Consultant, placed a strong emphasis on practical training and employability. He expressed his interest in working with TUM to train students, plumbers and technicians in the installation, operation and maintenance of smart water technologies. The company indicated its commitment to supporting the cost of the training while creating opportunities for young people, particularly within the Coast region, to acquire industry-relevant technical skills.
The Vice Chancellor further emphasized that the modernization of water systems should go beyond the deployment of smart digital meters to include the rehabilitation and upgrading of existing infrastructure. She noted that a community-centred and integrated approach would be critical in ensuring that technology-driven interventions deliver sustainable impact.
The collaboration will strengthen the University’s engagement with industry while supporting the development of a skilled workforce capable of contributing to Kenya’s growing digital infrastructure and water management sector.
The signing of the MoU marks another step in TUM’s commitment to building strategic industry partnerships that translate academic knowledge into practical solutions, enhance student employability and contribute to sustainable socio-economic development in the Coast region and beyond.
