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Technical Services

Laboratory, vessel, and advisory services

KMFRI makes its analytical laboratories, research vessel, and scientific expertise available to aquaculture businesses, fishing companies, government agencies, and researchers — Kenya's most complete aquatic testing and advisory capability.

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Service Capability — 2025
Analytical Laboratories6 stations
Research VesselRV Mtafiti
Typical Turnaround5–10 business days
Aquaculture · Government · Research
Who we serve
Analytical Laboratories

Accredited testing for commercial and government clients

Water Quality Testing
Physical, chemical, and microbiological analysis of marine, freshwater, and effluent samples for compliance and environmental monitoring.
Fish Health Diagnostics
Disease screening, parasitology, and histopathology services for hatcheries, cage farms, and commercial aquaculture operations.
Environmental Analysis
Sediment, biodiversity, and ecosystem impact assessments for coastal development, dredging, and environmental permitting.
Food Safety Testing
Contaminant, toxin, and quality testing of fish and seafood products for export certification and domestic market compliance.

KMFRI's laboratories are distributed across six field stations, giving clients access to testing capacity close to Kenya's coast, Lake Victoria, and inland aquaculture regions rather than a single centralised facility.

Laboratories serve a mix of clients: aquaculture businesses seeking pre-export or regulatory certification, county and national government agencies commissioning environmental assessments, and researchers requiring specialised analysis outside their own institution's capacity.

Turnaround times and fees vary by test type and sample volume — see How to Request for the process, or contact info@kmfri.go.ke directly with your requirements.

Vessel & Field Survey Capability

Research vessel & survey services

Vessel charter and field survey capability for clients who need data collected, not just analysed.

RV Mtafiti Charter
KMFRI's research vessel is available for deep-sea surveys, trawling, oceanographic profiling, and underway data collection across Kenya's Exclusive Economic Zone. Suitable for government surveys, academic research cruises, and offshore industry baseline studies.
Survey & Monitoring Programmes
Structured field surveys and long-term monitoring — catch assessment, biodiversity surveys, and environmental monitoring instrumentation deployed at stations and moored in marine and lake environments.
Enquire About Vessel Availability
Expert Advisory

Advisory & consultation services

Direct access to KMFRI scientists for technical guidance before you commit capital or resources.

Aquaculture Site & Regulatory Advisory
For investors evaluating aquaculture opportunities — understand the regulatory pathway for your species, location, and production system before committing capital.
Aquaculture Regulations
Blue Economy Investment Advisory
Spatial data, species intelligence, and sector guidance for investors and county governments evaluating blue economy opportunities.
Blue Economy Sectors
Technical Advisory for Government & NGOs
Fisheries management, environmental, and policy-relevant technical advisory for government agencies, county governments, and NGOs.
Policy Centre
Book a Consultation
Getting Started

How to request a service

Fees and turnaround times vary by service type and are confirmed once your request is scoped.

1
Identify the service
Review the laboratory, vessel, or advisory services above and note the specific test, survey, or consultation you need.
2
Submit a request
Email your requirements to KMFRI, or register formally through the eCitizen portal where applicable for government-mediated services.
3
Receive a quote & timeline
KMFRI confirms scope, fees, and turnaround time before work begins.
4
Delivery
Results, reports, or consultation outcomes are delivered directly to your team.
Email a Service Request
Government-mediated services: eCitizen Portal ↗

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