On 20 January 2026, a delegation from the Flanders Marine Institute visited the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) in Mombasa. The meeting focused on deepening cooperation between Kenya and Belgium, with an emphasis on capacity building, shared research infrastructure, and the sustainable development of the ocean.
A VLIZ delegation – consisting of Carl Decaluwé (Governor of West Flanders & President of VLIZ), Prof. Colin Janssen (Vice-President of VLIZ, Ghent University), Prof. Dr. Jan Mees (Director General, VLIZ) – visited the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) in Mombasa, Kenya and met with Dr. Paul Sagwe Orina (Director General of KMFRI) and his team. The discussions brought together many Belgian alumni – scientists trained through Belgian institutions – and focused on strengthening future cooperation between KMFRI and VLIZ.
This visit reflected the depth of Kenya–Belgium marine science collaboration. The Kenya–Belgium Project (launched at KMFRI in 1984, later transferred to the University of Nairobi in 1997, and concluded in 2014) represents a 30-year partnership that helped shape Kenya’s ocean science capacity. Among its most lasting contributions was the donation of the research vessel RV Mtafiti – a milestone that expanded Kenya’s ability to conduct offshore research and strengthened the scientific backbone of Kenya’s emerging Blue Economy. VLIZ Director General Prof. Dr. Jan Mees underscored the value of long-term partnerships that connect marine science, capacity building, and shared infrastructure—turning knowledge into practical impact for sustainable ocean development.
The delegation and KMFRI management also discussed the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KMFRI and VLIZ, reaffirming a shared commitment to evidence-based ocean governance, strengthened research capacity, and solutions that support coastal communities and resilient marine ecosystems. Building on a strong Kenya–Belgium legacy, KMFRI and VLIZ will continue working together to translate science into action for a thriving Blue Economy – in Kenya, in Europe, and beyond.
Later in the week, the VLIZ delegation continued building bridges between science, youth, and policy, showing how partnerships can move from dialogue to action for the Blue Economy. VLIZ Director General Prof. Dr. Jan Mees and the team held an interactive engagement and fireside chat with young people affiliated with the Swahilipot Hub Foundation, exploring how marine education and practical skills can translate into real opportunities in the Blue Economy, through the Kenya-Belgium collaboration, training pathways, mentorship, and career guidance. Swahilipot Hub’s commitment to empowering youth through innovation and creative communities made it an ideal space for these conversations.
The delegation also met H.E. Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir, Governor of Mombasa County, where discussions focused on strengthening partnerships and delivering practical solutions to ocean-facing challenge – especially pollution and solid waste management, a growing priority for the coastal city. The Governor emphasized the importance of strong MoUs as a foundation for long-term cooperation between Kenya and Belgium, turning shared interests into coordinated action, clear commitments, and sustained support for priority areas like pollution control. He highlighted ongoing efforts and studies to improve waste management systems, including technical work supported by partners such as JICA, and reiterated a shared imperative: protecting the ocean and coastal waters that sustain Mombasa’s communities and economy.
As we look ahead to the Our Ocean Conference (Mombasa-Kilifi, 16–18 June 2026), today’s engagements reinforced a clear message: saving the ocean will take all of us – inspired youth, committed institutions, and action-oriented partnerships backed by MoUs that transform knowledge into measurable impact.
Later that week, attention was focused on the ongoing research in Kenya by Gladys Mwaka (VLIZ-UGent doctoral scholarship) with field activities related to sustainable coastal aquaculture.