South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) has achieved another significant milestone in international research and innovation after becoming a partner in the TWIN4READY project, a prestigious Horizon Europe initiative funded by the European Commission. The collaborative project, titled "Urban Digital Twins for Flood Readiness," brings together 22 leading institutions from Europe and Kenya to develop cutting-edge digital technologies that strengthen flood preparedness and climate resilience.
At SEKU, the project is being led by Dr. Joel Ngesa, who serves as the Principal Investigator (PI). He is supported by Dr. Kezia Mbuthia and Prof. Mark Eric Kimathi, who are serving as Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs). Their leadership reflects the University's strong research capacity and commitment to delivering innovative solutions to global environmental challenges.
The 36-month project has a total budget of €5.96 million, with SEKU receiving €120,000 to contribute to the implementation of the initiative. The University is the only Kenyan institution participating in the consortium, underscoring its growing reputation as a leading centre for research and innovation addressing global challenges.
TWIN4READY seeks to transform how communities prepare for and respond to flood disasters by developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Local Digital Twin framework. The innovative platform will integrate satellite data, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, citizen observations, advanced hydrological models, and explainable AI to provide real-time, building-scale flood predictions and decision-support tools for municipalities and emergency response agencies.
The project has been designed to bridge the gap between continental early warning systems and practical local decision-making by enabling authorities to anticipate flood risks, assess socio-economic impacts, and coordinate timely emergency responses. The system will also be fully interoperable with major European digital initiatives, including Destination Earth (DestinE), CitiVERSE, and Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards.
The proposal received an outstanding overall score of 14.5 out of 15 during the Horizon Europe evaluation process, surpassing the funding threshold. Evaluators praised the project's ambitious objectives, innovative integration of hybrid physics-based and AI-driven flood modelling, comprehensive implementation strategy, strong impact pathways, and commitment to open science and international collaboration.
SEKU's participation in the project reflects the University's commitment to advancing research that addresses climate change, disaster risk reduction, environmental sustainability, and digital transformation. Through collaboration with internationally renowned universities, research institutes, technology organizations, and public agencies, SEKU researchers will contribute to developing innovative solutions with both regional and global impact.
The University's involvement in TWIN4READY further strengthens its international research portfolio and aligns with its strategic vision of fostering interdisciplinary research, promoting global partnerships, and generating knowledge that contributes to sustainable development and resilient communities.
As climate-related disasters continue to increase worldwide, SEKU remains committed to developing practical, technology-driven solutions that enhance resilience, support evidence-based decision-making, and improve the well-being of communities in Kenya, Africa, and beyond.
