Bulk Access & Data Requests

Get the data you need

Download individual datasets directly, request bulk or restricted data access, or integrate KMFRI data into your own systems via our REST API.

3 days

Avg. response time

278

Open datasets

Restricted datasets

REST API

Choose Your Access Path

Three ways to get KMFRI data

Most datasets are available immediately as direct downloads. For larger or restricted needs, choose bulk access or API integration below.

Direct Download

Most KMFRI datasets are open and downloadable immediately — no request needed. Browse the catalog, find your dataset, and download in CSV, NetCDF, or SHP format.

No registration required

278 datasets available now

CC BY 4.0 licensed

Browse Open Catalog

Most Requested

Bulk & Restricted Access

For large multi-dataset downloads, unpublished survey data, individual-level socioeconomic records, or data not yet in the open catalog. Reviewed by KMFRI's Data Office.

Avg. 3 business day response

62 restricted datasets available

Use case & institution required

Submit a Request

API Access

Integrate KMFRI's time series and spatial datasets directly into your dashboards, research pipelines, or applications via our REST API. Requires an API key.

JSON & GeoJSON responses

1,000 requests/day (free tier)

Institutional tiers available

View API Docs

Data Access Request

Request bulk or restricted data

Your Details

Data Needed

Review

Confirmation

Tell us about yourself

We use this information to verify your request and respond appropriately.

First name* Please enter your first name.

Last name* Please enter your last name.

Email address* Please enter a valid email address.

Institution* Please enter your institution.

I am a…* Please select your role.

Country

What data do you need?

Select the type of access and describe the data or datasets you're requesting.

Type of request*

Bulk download (multiple open datasets)

Large combined download across several catalog entries

Restricted dataset access

Individual-level, unpublished, or sensitive survey data

Custom data extraction

Data not currently published in the catalog

Institutional data sharing agreement

Ongoing access for a partner institution

Dataset name(s) or DOI(s)

List specific datasets if known, or describe the topic area below.

Purpose of use* Please describe your intended use of the data.

When do you need this by?

Review your request

Please confirm the details below before submitting.

Name —

Email —

Institution —

Role —

Request type —

Dataset(s) —

Purpose —

Timeline —

I agree to KMFRI's data use terms*

Data will be used for the stated purpose only and cited appropriately in any resulting publication.

Request submitted

Thank you. KMFRI's Data Office has received your request and will respond to the email address provided within 3 business days.

Reference: KMFRI-DR-2024-08841

Browse Open Catalog Return to Homepage

Programmatic Access

Integrate KMFRI data into your tools

The KMFRI REST API provides programmatic access to fisheries status data, catch time series, and spatial datasets — ideal for dashboards, research pipelines, and third-party applications.

JSON and GeoJSON response formats

Free tier: 1,000 requests/day, no cost

Institutional tiers with higher rate limits available

Endpoints for datasets, fisheries status, and SAWA suitability layers

Request an API Key Contact the Data Team

            
            
            
            GET /v1/fisheries/status
          

# Example request
curl GET \
  "https://api.kmfri.go.ke/v1/fisheries/status?ecosystem=freshwater" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"

# Example response
{
  "fishery": "Lake Victoria — Nile Tilapia",
  "ecosystem": "freshwater",
  "status": "healthy",
  "catch_tonnes": 48200,
  "yoy_change_pct": 6.2,
  "assessment_year": 2024,
  "doi": "10.5281/kmfri.2024.lv01"
}
          

Need ongoing institutional access?

Universities, government agencies, and development partners can establish a formal data sharing agreement with KMFRI for recurring or large-scale data access, including API integration at elevated rate limits.

Start an Agreement Request Partnership Options

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

How long does a data request take to process?

Most bulk and restricted data requests are reviewed within 3 business days. Requests involving individual-level or sensitive data may take longer pending ethical clearance review. You'll receive an email confirmation immediately and a follow-up once your request is reviewed.

Is there a cost for accessing KMFRI data?

All open-catalog datasets are free to download under CC BY 4.0. There is no cost for standard bulk or restricted data requests for research and non-commercial use. Commercial use cases or large institutional data sharing agreements may involve a cost-recovery fee — this will be discussed during the review process.

Can I get an API key without an institutional affiliation?

Yes. The free API tier (1,000 requests/day) is available to any registered user, regardless of institutional affiliation. Higher-volume institutional tiers require a verified academic, government, or organisational email address.

How should I cite KMFRI data in my publication?

Cite the dataset's DOI as listed on its catalog page, including the dataset title, KMFRI as publisher, and the publication year. A suggested citation format is included on every dataset's detail page in the Open Data Catalog.

What happens if my request is declined?

KMFRI's Data Office will explain the reason for any declined request and, where possible, suggest an alternative — such as an aggregated version of the dataset or a modified scope that can be approved. You're welcome to revise and resubmit your request.