Zetech University has been awarded a grant by Lloyd’s Register Foundation to lead a pilot project documenting women’s overlooked contributions to coastal maritime safety in Kenya.
The one-year programme, “Documenting Women’s Roles in Coastal Maritime Safety Heritage”, will run from 2026 to April 2027 in Mombasa and Kilifi counties. It will capture oral histories, photographs, and community storytelling to preserve how women have safeguarded fishing practices, monitored weather, supported rescue efforts, and stewarded coastal resources.
Zetech University will create a digital story archive, host a photo exhibition, and convene a dialogue workshop linking traditional knowledge to modern safety frameworks.
“This grant allows us to spotlight women whose contributions have been invisible in maritime policy and heritage discussions,” said Dr. Catherine Chege, Principal Investigator at Zetech University. “By documenting their experiences, we strengthen both cultural heritage and community resilience.”
The project responds to global calls by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and United Nations (UN) Women to safeguard fragile traditional knowledge systems and ensure gender inclusion in maritime governance.
By integrating women’s lived experiences into safety frameworks, the initiative bridges heritage and innovation, positioning Kenya as a leader in inclusive maritime research.
Professor Njenga Munene, Vice Chancellor of Zetech University, emphasised: “This collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing research that is socially impactful, globally relevant, and deeply rooted in community realities.”
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