Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), through its Department of Marine Engineering, has taken a pivotal step in transforming maritime education by participating in the GEMS-TECH project.

This is in response to the growing international demand for skilled educators in emerging maritime fields and the need to align academic training with global regulatory standards.

Funded under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) program, GEMS-TECH aims to revolutionize maritime training by embedding green technologies, sustainable engineering practices, and cutting-edge digital tools into university and professional curricula.

As a key partner in the GEMS-TECH project Green Maritime Horizons: Collaborative Innovation in Ship Engineering and Sustainable Technologies, JKUAT is contributing to a bold initiative officially launched during a vibrant three-day kick-off meeting held from April 23 to 25, 2025, at the University of Telecommunications and Post (UTP) in Sofia, Bulgaria.

The launch brought together 12 institutions from Europe, Egypt, and Kenya in a united effort to steer the maritime sector toward a more sustainable, digitally advanced future.

Representing JKUAT at the kick-off were Dr. Jotham Munyalo, Head of the Department of Marine Engineering, and Dr. Gerald Odhiambo, a lecturer in the same department.

In the project, JKUAT leads the development of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), a key component of the project designed to expand access to training in green maritime operations, environmental risk mitigation, and smart shipping technologies.

“The maritime industry is transforming rapidly both digitally and environmentally. Our education systems must evolve to meet these challenges,” said Dr. Munyalo.

At its core, GEMS-TECH seeks to modernize curriculum across participating countries so that graduates are equipped not just for today’s job market, but for shaping a greener, more innovative shipping industry.

By integrating real-world case studies, simulation-based training, and accessible online platforms, the project hopes to empower students and professionals alike to become agents of sustainable change.

As maritime industries globally face pressure to decarbonize and embrace digital transformation, GEMS-TECH positions JKUAT and its partners at the forefront of building a future-ready, environmentally responsible workforce.