Kenya Ports Authority, RMIT partner on maritime research
KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto said the collaboration comes at a critical time as the industry evolves.
KENYA – The Kenya Ports Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with RMIT University, an international university of technology and design in Australia, to collaborate on research to advance shipping, maritime trade, and the Blue Economy, KPA said.
The agreement was unveiled during a roundtable conference in Mombasa with stakeholders from the shipping and maritime industry, academia, and development partners.
Discussions focused on how the MOU will be implemented and the most pressing industry needs the collaboration will address.
Research areas
Key areas identified for joint research include automation, artificial intelligence, sustainability and greening, e-mobility, shore powering, data mining and the blue economy.
Several institutions of higher learning are part of the agreement, including the University of Nairobi, the Technical University of Mombasa and Embu University.
Leadership comments
KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto said the collaboration comes at a critical time as the industry evolves.
“Even as we celebrate the launch of this MOU as a major milestone, our true measure of success will be how effectively we translate it into research, training and practical solutions that add value and respond to the needs of the maritime industry,” he said.
Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Victor Gekara, Director of the Center for African Engagement at RMIT, said that industry connections and partnerships are central to the university’s work.
Moreover, he noted that the KPA-RMIT collaboration will focus on joint research, staff exchange programs for capacity building, and regular value-creating engagements.
Cooperation framework
The MOU, signed in May 2026, establishes a framework for future cooperation in maritime and port industry research, knowledge exchange, and professional development.
More importantly, key areas of cooperation include joint research and publications, research events, staff capacity building, exchange visits, and the creation of a joint working group.
In addition, stakeholders from Trademark Africa, the Kenya Maritime Authority, the Kenya Ships Agents Association, and RMIT shared their perspectives in a panel discussion on how research-led collaboration will transform the industry.
Finally, this partnership reflects Kenya Port Authority’s focus on integrating technology and sustainability into port operations, while the authority focuses on research-led solutions for regional maritime trade.
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