The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has partnered with Australia’s Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University to advance research and innovation in the shipping, maritime trade and Blue Economy sectors.
The two institutions launched a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at developing practical solutions to operational challenges facing the maritime industry and improving service delivery and regional trade.
The partnership was unveiled during a stakeholder roundtable conference in Mombasa that brought together players from the shipping and maritime industry, academia and development partners.
The discussions focused on the implementation of the agreement and identifying key challenges that could be addressed through research and innovation.
Among the areas identified for joint research are automation, artificial intelligence, sustainability and greening, electric mobility, shore power, data mining and the Blue Economy.
Several Kenyan universities are also part of the collaboration, including the University of Nairobi, Technical University of Mombasa and Embu University.
The institutions will work with KPA to identify areas of mutual interest and develop research programmes addressing emerging needs in the maritime sector.
Speaking during the event, KPA Managing Director Captain William Ruto said the partnership comes at a time when the maritime industry is undergoing significant changes.
“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.
Representatives from Trademark Africa, the Kenya Maritime Authority, Kenya Ships Agents Association and RMIT also participated in a panel discussion on the role of research-led partnerships in transforming the maritime industry.
Professor Victor Gekara, Director of the Centre for African Engagement at RMIT, said partnerships with industry were central to the university’s work.
He said the collaboration would focus on joint research with practical impact, staff exchange programmes to strengthen capacity and regular engagements aimed at creating value for the maritime sector.
The MOU, signed in May 2026, provides a framework for cooperation in maritime and port industry research, knowledge exchange and professional development.
The partnership will also facilitate joint research and publications, research events, staff capacity-building programmes, exchange visits and the establishment of a joint working group to oversee implementation of the agreement.
