The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) has scored a monumental victory for academic research in Kenya, securing a Sh844.7 million (€5.5 million) grant to spearhead a transformative project in health and the blue economy.

This funding, provided by the Belgian organization Vliruos, marks TUM as the only Kenyan university to be awarded this prestigious grant in the current cycle. The project, dubbed \"Afya Moja,\" is set to run for 10 years, a testament to the long-term vision of the partnership. It aims to bridge the gap between theoretical research and tangible community benefits, directly impacting the lives of coastal residents.

Research with Impact

Project coordinator Marc Heijde emphasized that this is not research for research`s sake. The deliverables are designed to solve real-world problems facing the Coast region:

• Health Systems: Developing engineering solutions to support hospitals, patients, and healthcare providers.
• Blue Economy: Empowering fisherfolk with post-harvest technologies to reduce losses and increase income.
• Capacity Building: Offering PhD scholarships to TUM lecturers, ensuring a legacy of highly trained local experts.

A Unique Collaboration

\"We are trying to leave no one behind, Heijde stated, highlighting the project`s gender-inclusive approach. The initiative involves a consortium of nine Belgian institutions, including Ghent University, collaborating closely with TUM.

TUM Vice-Chancellor Liela Abubakar hailed the deal as a game-changer. Government funding has been dwindling, so at least now we will be able to have staff who will be funded for their research work," she said. By focusing on the unique challenges of the coast—from tropical diseases to sustainable fishing—TUM is positioning itself as a beacon of innovation in the region.