A new research project will preserve the experiences of women in Kenya’s coastal communities and explore how traditional knowledge can contribute to modern maritime safety systems.
Zetech University in Kenya has received a grant from the UK-based Lloyd’s Register Foundation to lead a pilot research project documenting women’s contributions to coastal maritime safety.
The one-year initiative, titled “Documenting Women’s Roles in Coastal Maritime Safety Heritage,” will run from 2026 to April 2027 in Mombasa and Kilifi counties, focusing on the often-overlooked role women play in supporting safety, resilience and sustainability in coastal communities.
The project will collect oral histories, photographs and community stories to document how women have contributed to fishing practices, weather monitoring, rescue support and the management of coastal resources.
As part of the initiative, Zetech University will develop a digital story archive, organise a photo exhibition and host a dialogue workshop bringing together community knowledge, researchers and maritime stakeholders.
Dr Catherine Chege, Principal Investigator at Zetech University, said the grant would help highlight contributions that have traditionally received limited attention in maritime policy and heritage discussions.
“By documenting their experiences, we strengthen both cultural heritage and community resilience,” she said.
Kenya’s coastal regions are central to the country’s blue economy ambitions, with fishing, tourism, transport and marine resources playing an important role in local livelihoods. However, coastal communities also face increasing challenges linked to climate change, changing weather patterns and the need for improved safety practices at sea.
The project aims to examine how local knowledge developed by coastal communities can complement modern approaches to maritime safety and risk management.
Image credit:
Zetech University
Professor Njenga Munene, Vice Chancellor of Zetech University, said the collaboration reflects the university’s focus on research with social and practical impact.
“This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing research that is socially impactful, globally relevant, and deeply rooted in community realities,” he said.
The initiative also aligns with wider international discussions around preserving traditional knowledge, strengthening gender inclusion and improving community participation in governance and development programmes.
By creating a record of women’s experiences in coastal safety, the project seeks to contribute to a broader understanding of the role communities play in building safer and more sustainable maritime systems.
About Zetech University
Zetech University is a Kenyan higher education institution focused on teaching, research and innovation across technology, business and social development fields.
About Lloyd’s Register Foundation
Lloyd’s Register Foundation is a UK-based independent global charity that supports research, education and engagement aimed at improving safety-related knowledge and practices.
Sources & References
[1] Zetech University. “Zetech University Wins Lloyd’s Register Foundation Grant to Spotlight Women’s Maritime Safety Heritage.” Press Release, 27 July 2026.
Official website: Zetech University
[2] Lloyd’s Register Foundation. Grant Funding.
Lloyd’s Register Foundation – Grant Funding
