By Mariam Kidhangi
Dr Lawrence Mukhongo has distinguished himself as one of the Technical University of Mombasa's leading researchers and resource mobilisers, with a career spanning engineering education, research, innovation and institutional development. Having overcome financial barriers that once threatened to interrupt his education, he has built a career defined by academic excellence, strategic partnerships and a commitment to using research to address real-world challenges. Over nearly three decades, his work has contributed to the development of academic programmes, the expansion of research partnerships and the mobilisation of more than KSh 1 billion in funding to support research, training and infrastructure development.
His commitment to academic excellence led him to pursue postgraduate studies at De Montfort University in the United Kingdom, where he obtained a Master's degree in Mechatronics before earning a fully funded scholarship to undertake a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Manufacturing Systems. The training strengthened his expertise in engineering research and manufacturing systems while broadening his perspective on the role of engineering in addressing societal challenges.
Dr Mukhongo joined the then Mombasa Polytechnic in February 1998 under the Teachers Service Commission. Over the years, he has witnessed and actively contributed to the institution's transformation into the Technical University of Mombasa, playing a key role in shaping academic programmes, digital infrastructure, research and international partnerships.
Among his early achievements was leading the development of Certificate, Diploma and Higher Diploma programmes in Computer and Network Engineering. The programmes expanded access to engineering education, attracted substantial student enrolment and strengthened the University's academic portfolio.
He also became the institution's inaugural Kenya Education Network (KENET) Manager, overseeing the installation of fibre-optic infrastructure that significantly improved internet connectivity across departments and laid the foundation for the University's modern digital ecosystem.
Following the completion of his doctoral studies, Dr Mukhongo returned to TUM in 2012, where he continued to advance through the academic ranks. He became a Lecturer in 2013 and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2017.
Beyond his teaching and mentorship responsibilities, Dr Mukhongo has established himself as one of the University's foremost advocates for research and resource mobilisation. Since 2013, he has successfully led and contributed to numerous grant proposals that have attracted funding from government agencies, development partners and international organisations.
Today, he has been instrumental in securing more than KSh 1 billion in funding to support research, training and infrastructure development. His efforts have strengthened engineering education while supporting projects that provide practical solutions to challenges facing communities across Kenya.
Among his notable achievements is the development of an apprenticeship diploma programme in partnership with Base Titanium, which integrated classroom instruction with industrial training. The programme achieved a 100 per cent pass rate and ensured that all graduates secured employment upon completion.
He has also played a significant role in African Development Bank-funded initiatives aimed at upgrading the qualifications of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) instructors across Kenya. In collaboration with GIZ, he contributed to the development of Kenya's first Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curricula, supporting national education reforms.
Working alongside fellow researchers and institutional partners, Dr Mukhongo has mobilised funding from organisations including the African Development Bank, the Ministry of Education, the Rotary Club of Diani and several international research collaborators. These partnerships have created opportunities for technicians, students, researchers, youth and local communities through research, training and innovation.
Among his current flagship initiatives is the Clean Energy for Rural Africa with Digital Twin (CREDiT) Project, an international collaboration involving the University of York, COMRED and research partners in Zambia and Malawi. The project seeks to develop sustainable clean energy solutions for fishing communities along the Kenyan coast.
At the Mayungu Beach Management Unit in Kilifi County, the project is designing a solar-powered energy system to support ice-making facilities, cold storage, boat repair workshops and a desalination plant capable of converting seawater into safe drinking water. The initiative is expected to reduce post-harvest fish losses while improving livelihoods through community-driven renewable energy technologies.
Dr Mukhongo also conceptualised the proposed Centre of Excellence for Training and Research in Blue Economy and Civil Engineering, an ambitious project projected to attract approximately KSh 1.6 billion in investment for infrastructure, modern laboratories, scholarships, research and innovation.
The proposed centre is expected to strengthen TUM's leadership in engineering education, Blue Economy research and STEM capacity development while creating opportunities for graduate assistants, technicians, youth and persons with disabilities.
Reflecting on the University's research culture, Dr Mukhongo commends TUM's leadership for fostering an environment that encourages academic staff to pursue externally funded research alongside their teaching responsibilities. He maintains that research should extend beyond scholarly publication to provide practical solutions that address societal challenges and generate lasting impact.
Looking ahead, he envisions continued growth in research and innovation while encouraging emerging researchers to remain focused on building expertise within a defined research niche, continuously refining and expanding upon previous work rather than pursuing disparate projects.
For Dr Lawrence Mukhongo, the true value of research lies not only in advancing knowledge but also in its ability to transform lives, strengthen institutions and contribute to national development. With 43 published papers and a career dedicated to research, innovation and strategic partnerships, he continues to demonstrate how academia can deliver meaningful and lasting impact beyond the University.
Research publications: 43 peer-reviewed papers
Email: mukhongo@tum.ac.ke
