Technical University of Mombasa has an ongoing inter-school research project between the School of Applied and Health Sciences, Institute of Computing and Informatics and School of Social Sciences funded by the Department of Partnership, Research and Innovation (PRI). The research focuses on the vegetation structure of mangrove forests and the challenges facing conservation along Mtwapa Creek, Kilifi County. The Principal Investigator for this research project is Dr. Mumini Dzoga. Other collaborators in the research project are Dr. Cosmas Munga, Dr. Kevin Tole and Dr. Fathima Azmiya; supported by Dr. Judith Okello from Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI).

Preliminary findings indicate that the rate of mangrove cutting was higher during the COVID-19 pandemic than before, pointing towards restrained alternative livelihood sources. The increase was also occasioned by reduced surveillance of the forest during that period. Analysis through GIS and remote sensing techniques, reveal that the mangrove forest has shown a steady degradation in the last two decades. Further data analysis using a predicting algorithm will be used to estimate future cover change dynamics of mangrove forest along Mtwapa Creek.

Due to the alarming rate of degradation of the Mangrove in the recent years, the TUM research team is diligently engaging with the affected community and working hand in hand with them to save the forest.