Forty-five years of Kenya's aquatic science — all in one place
KMFRI's four research directorates cover every major aquatic ecosystem in Kenya. Explore research programs, publications, active projects, and the scientists behind the work.
Four programs. Every ecosystem.
KMFRI's research is organized into four scientific directorates, each covering a distinct ecosystem type and generating targeted knowledge for policy, management, and sector development.
Oceans, Coastal Systems & Blue Economy
Kenya's 600km Indian Ocean coastline — from reef to deep sea
Freshwater Systems Research
Lake Victoria, Turkana, Naivasha & Kenya's river catchments
Aquaculture Research & Innovation
Breeding, feed, disease & production systems for Kenya's fish farming sector
Socioeconomics & Policy Research
Livelihoods, food security, market systems & governance
Find what you need
Research happening right now
A selection of KMFRI's current funded research programs. Each project page includes objectives, team, partners, funders, timeline, and outputs.
Western Indian Ocean Climate Change Adaptation (WIOCA)
Assessing climate vulnerability of Kenya's coastal fisheries and developing community-based adaptation strategies. Covers reef fisheries, demersal stocks, and artisanal fleet adaptation across five coastal counties.
Lake Victoria Fisheries Enhancement and Livelihoods Improvement Project (LVEMP III)
Strengthening fisheries governance and ecological health of Lake Victoria through improved monitoring, co-management structures, and community-based conservation. KMFRI leads stock assessment and data management components.
Kenya National Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Program (KNAGBP)
Developing genetically improved Nile tilapia strains adapted to Kenya's diverse aquaculture environments, from highland pond systems to cage culture on the lake. Includes feed-efficiency and disease-resistance traits.
Socioeconomic Assessment of Kenya's Blue Economy Sectors (SABES)
Comprehensive valuation of Kenya's marine and freshwater economies — quantifying employment, income, food security contribution, and investment potential across fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal tourism sectors.
Latest from KMFRI's scientists
Ready to collaborate with KMFRI?
Whether you are a research institution, an international body, or an individual scientist — KMFRI has pathways for collaboration, data sharing, and joint program delivery.