Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi has emphasized the pivotal role of higher education institutions in accelerating Africa’s maritime green transition during a high-level side event at the 11th Our Ocean Conference.
Speaking at the side event titled “Accelerating Africa’s Maritime Green Transition,” on Thursday June 18, 2026, the Vice Chancellor highlighted how targeted training, applied research, and strategic international partnerships are essential to addressing key challenges such as shipping emissions, marine pollution, coastal resilience, and the shift to low-carbon maritime operations. The event formed part of the landmark conference, the first to be held on African soil under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future.”
“Training equips the next generation with skills for green shipping, research generates Africa-specific solutions, and partnerships amplify impact. JKUAT is proud to contribute directly through our programs and leadership in regional initiatives,” the Vice Chancellor stated.
The University hosts the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre for Africa (MTCC-Africa), a center of excellence established under the IMO-EU Global MTCC Network. MTCC-Africa supports 42 African IMO member states with capacity building, technology demonstrations, energy efficiency projects, and emissions data collection. Located at JKUAT’s Mombasa Campus, it facilitates workshops, pilot projects, and knowledge exchange to help ports and shipping adopt greener practices.
The Vice Chancellor called for increased funding to African universities to enable more pointed, solution-driven research. Prof. Ngumi further stressed the value of international collaborations, citing MTCC-Africa’s success as a model of effective North-South and South-South cooperation that aligns local efforts with global standards while creating opportunities for African youth.
JKUAT is recognized as one of the few – and often the primary – institutions between Egypt and South Africa offering comprehensive engineering degrees in maritime affairs. This positions it as a hub for East Africa and beyond.
JKUAT’s Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering program, launched over a decade ago, is a rigorous five-year degree that combines theoretical excellence with hands-on practical training. Students specialize in marine systems engineering or naval architecture, addressing critical talent gaps in ship design, propulsion systems, maintenance, and sustainable maritime operations
During his official visit to Norway last week, Kenya’s President Dr. William Ruto spotlighted JKUAT as a cornerstone institution driving Kenya’s Blue Economy ambitions through its cutting-edge marine engineering training. In meetings with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association and business leaders, the President emphasized how JKUAT is equipping Kenyan youth with the specialized skills needed to seize opportunities in global shipping, maritime technology, and sustainable ocean industries.
“Our investment in world-class marine engineering education is already yielding results, with Norwegian partners committing to recruit hundreds of Kenyan seafarers trained through our robust programs,” President Ruto said.
As Kenya positions Mombasa and Lamu as strategic shipping hubs and pursues new maritime trade routes, JKUAT’s graduates are poised to fill high-demand roles. Recent commitments from Norwegian firms, including Wilhelmsen Ship Management, to hire 120 Kenyan seafarers this year and up to 1,000 by 2030 underscore the global competitiveness of Kenyan-trained professionals.