Green Tech Project Puts African Universities at the Heart of Sustainable Innovation
Kenyatta University has launched the Green Tech Mobility Project, a European Union funded initiative to strengthen academic collaboration and capacity in sustainable technologies across Africa.
Anchored on “Advancing Sustainable Technologies through Academic Collaboration in Africa,” the project brings together universities and academic partners to equip professionals with skills for climate adaptation and green industries.
The consortium comprises the premier university in Kenya, KU, Nangui Abrogoua University in Côte d’Ivoire also the project coordinator, Catholic University of Rwanda, University of Energy and Natural Resources in Ghana and the National University of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in Benin, with Cologne University of Applied Sciences as technical partner.
At the centre of the initiative is a capacity building programme targeting 26 Master’s students, nine PhD students, 12 trainees and nine academic staff members. The programme will strengthen competencies in climate adaptation and green industries while contributing to Africa’s development priorities and the EU’s Global Gateway priorities.
The launch brought together academic leaders and researchers. Dr. Mary Baaru, Principal Investigator, welcomed participants and introduced the project team. Dr. Peter Wangai served as Master of Ceremonies.
The initiative reflects KU’s commitment to interfaculty and international collaboration, bringing together expertise in renewable energy, environmental studies, spatial planning and capacity building to support practical solutions for communities and cities facing mobility, infrastructure and environmental pressures.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. John Paul Oyore, Registrar, Research, Innovation and Outreach, conveyed the University’s support and congratulated the team for securing the European funded project following recognition in Brussels.
Representing the Dean of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Dr. Felix Mingate highlighted the department’s high impact projects, including the Summer School, Future Rural Africa, Plastic Sites initiative and Green Tech Mobility Project. The department ranks second within the University in securing research grants, demonstrating its research and innovation role.
The project comes at a critical time as climate change, energy access, waste management and urbanisation create interconnected challenges. By linking academia and industry, the initiative provides opportunities to exchange knowledge and develop solutions tailored to Africa’s realities, while supporting African Union Agenda 2063.
For Kenyatta University, the project strengthens its mandate to generate knowledge, foster innovation, develop human capital and build partnerships that advance sustainable development across Africa.