Ruto’s Blue Economy Push Puts Siaya on Africa’s Research Map

When President William Ruto launched the Blue Economy Research Hub at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Miyandhe, Kenya’s economic future diversified the attention to focus on water ecosystems.

The facility positions the university as a key research centre for freshwater science linked to Lake Victoria, with a focus on fisheries, aquatic technology and environmental sustainability.

For Siaya County, the project places the region directly within the country’s broader Blue Economy agenda.

The Blue Economy refers to the sustainable use of water resources to support economic growth, jobs and environmental protection.

While often associated with coastal activities, Kenya’s strategy also includes inland water bodies such as Lake Victoria, which support millions of livelihoods through fishing and trade.

The JOOUST hub will support both postgraduate and undergraduate research, particularly in molecular research systems related to aquatic life.

Its location near major freshwater ecosystems allows the university to expand research in fisheries science and aquatic technologies.

Speaking during the launch, President Ruto called on universities to take a stronger role in developing research and innovation that can address real economic challenges.

He noted that specialised scientific skills will be increasingly important as Kenya builds a modern and competitive economy.

Beyond the Blue Economy hub, JOOUST has also attracted international research partnerships.

These include the World Bank-supported Africa Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Use of Insects as Food and Feeds (INSEFOODS) – which explores insects as sustainable protein for food and animal feed.

Researchers at the university are also working on projects such as sericulture, a silk production initiative developed in partnership with Silk Origin Limited.

Together, these programmes position JOOUST as an emerging research hub linking science, sustainability and local economic development.

For Siaya and the wider Lake Victoria region, the goal is straightforward:

Turn freshwater ecosystems into centres of research, innovation and opportunity – while protecting the natural resources that communities depend on.