Zetech University has secured a grant from the Lloyd’s Register Foundation to spearhead a research project documenting the often-overlooked role of women in promoting maritime safety along the Kenya’s coast.
The one-year project, titled Documenting Women’s Roles in Coastal Maritime Safety Heritage, will run up to next year in Mombasa and Kilifi counties. It aims to preserve women’s contributions to maritime safety by collecting oral histories, photographs and community stories that highlight their role in safeguarding fishing practices, monitoring weather patterns, supporting rescue efforts and conserving coastal resources.
The grant will enable the university to establish a digital story archive, organise a photo exhibition and convene a dialogue workshop bringing together traditional knowledge holders and modern maritime safety practitioners. The initiative seeks to ensure that women’s indigenous knowledge is recognised and integrated into contemporary safety frameworks.
Speaking after the award, Principal Investigator from Zetech Dr. Catherine Chege said the project would shine a light on women whose contributions have largely remained invisible in maritime policy and heritage discussions.
“This grant allows us to spotlight women whose contributions have been invisible in maritime policy and heritage discussions. By documenting their experiences, we strengthen both cultural heritage and community resilience,” she said.
The project aligns with global efforts championed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and UN Women to protect fragile traditional knowledge systems while promoting gender inclusion in maritime governance.
Zetech University Vice Chancellor Prof. Njenga Munene described the grant as a significant milestone for the institution’s research agenda, saying it reflects the university’s commitment to conducting research that delivers meaningful social impact.
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing research that is socially impactful, globally relevant and deeply rooted in community realities,” he said.
He added that by integrating women’s lived experiences into maritime safety frameworks, the project is expected to bridge traditional knowledge with innovation while positioning Kenya as a leader in inclusive maritime research.
“The initiative is also anticipated to contribute to stronger coastal resilience by ensuring that valuable indigenous knowledge is preserved for future generations and informs policy and community-based safety interventions,” said Prof Munene.
By Muoki Charles
