Zetech University in Kenya has secured a grant from the UK-based Lloyd’s Register Foundation to launch a pilot research project focusing on the role of women in coastal maritime safety. The initiative, titled “Documenting Women’s Roles in Coastal Maritime Safety Heritage,” will run from 2026 to April 2027 across Mombasa and Kilifi counties. The funding will support the collection of oral histories, photographs, and community stories that highlight how women have supported fishing practices, weather monitoring, rescue operations, and the management of coastal resources.
As part of the program, the university plans to develop a digital story archive and host a photo exhibition. A dialogue workshop will also be organized to bring together community members, researchers, and maritime stakeholders. Dr Catherine Chege, the project’s Principal Investigator, noted that the work seeks to highlight contributions that have often been overlooked in maritime policy and heritage discussions. “By documenting their experiences, we strengthen both cultural heritage and community resilience,” she said.
The coastal regions of Kenya are central to the country’s blue economy ambitions. Fishing, tourism, transport, and marine resources play a vital role in local livelihoods, yet these communities face growing challenges from climate change and shifting weather patterns. The project aims to see how traditional knowledge can complement modern approaches to risk management.
Zetech University is a higher education institution focused on teaching, research, and innovation in technology, business, and social development. The university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Njenga Munene, described the collaboration as a reflection of the institution’s focus on research with social and practical impact. “This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to advancing research that is socially impactful, globally relevant, and deeply rooted in community realities,” he said.
While the project collects tangible artifacts like photos and oral histories, it also faces the practical hurdle of turning scattered anecdotes into a structured system that modern maritime authorities can actually use. There is a risk that the digital archive, while valuable for preservation, may remain an academic exercise without a clear mechanism for integrating these local insights into official safety protocols or emergency response training.
The research initiative also aligns with broader international discussions on preserving traditional knowledge and improving gender inclusion. By creating a record of women’s experiences in coastal safety, the project seeks to contribute to a wider understanding of how communities build sustainable maritime systems.
Lloyd’s Register Foundation is a UK-based independent global charity that supports research and education aimed at improving safety-related knowledge and practices. This work is particularly timely as the foundation continues to support global resilience efforts, including a recent expansion into the Middle East and Africa despite broader market drops. The organization has been working to bolster safety knowledge in these regions through targeted grants and partnerships that address local infrastructure challenges.
Safety knowledge and resilience initiatives in emerging markets face unique obstacles. The foundation’s strategy often involves supporting local institutions to bridge gaps in safety standards and infrastructure. Zetech University provides a local anchor for these efforts, ensuring that research remains grounded in the specific realities of the region.
