Research Scientist Mariculture – Seaweed Division Seaweed Mariculture & Seagrass Ecology Seaweed Cultivation • Seagrass Monitoring • Blue Economy Email: akimanthi@kmfri.go.ke Email: kimathialex04@gmail.com Academic Qualifications MSc in Botany (Plant Ecology) – JKUAT, Kenya (2015–2020)
BSc Hons in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences – University of Eldoret, Kenya (2009–2013)
Diploma in Applied Biology – Technical University of Mombasa (1998–2000) Research Location & Specialization KMFRI Mombasa
Department: Mariculture (Seaweed)
Specialization: Seaweed Mariculture Production Systems and Seagrass Ecological Monitoring
Member – Scientific Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (KMFRI) Professional Memberships Western Indian Ocean Marine Sciences Association (WIOMSA)
Kenya Sea Turtle Conservation Movement (KESCOM)
Seagrass Net Group – KMFRI | Leadership Focus: Advancing seaweed mariculture systems for sustainable biomass production, promoting blue economy opportunities for coastal communities, and integrating seagrass ecological monitoring for marine conservation. Alex Kimathi is a Research Scientist at KMFRI with wide knowledge on marine plant ecology. Currently attached to the Mariculture Department under the Aquaculture Division, he is charged with coordination and supervision of seaweed mariculture research interventions. Alex is among the leading scientists in the introduction of seaweed cultivation in Kenya and the implementation of Kenya Coastal Development Projects, specifically the upscaling of commercial seaweed farming in villages on the southern coast of Kenya between 2009 and 2015. His pioneering work has contributed significantly to livelihood diversification and blue economy development for coastal communities. Being a trained SCUBA diver and an active member of the Seagrass Net Group in KMFRI, Alex also participates in seagrass research activities including habitat mapping and monitoring. He is also a member of the Scientific Monitoring and Evaluation Committee in KMFRI, contributing to the Institute's research quality assurance and strategic oversight. Research Specializations & Expertise Seaweed Mariculture Production Systems Seagrass Ecological Monitoring Habitat Mapping SCUBA Diving for Research Policy Brief Development Marine Plant Ecology Key Contributions & Achievements - Introduction of Seaweed Cultivation in Kenya – Among the pioneering scientists who introduced commercial seaweed farming along the Kenyan coast
- Kenya Coastal Development Projects (2009–2015) – Led upscaling of commercial seaweed farming in villages on the southern coast of Kenya, enhancing livelihoods and economic resilience
- Seaweed Farming Policy Brief – Lead author of policy brief on seaweed farming industry in Kenya: Tapping into the Blue Economy and mitigating climate change impacts (KMFRI Mariculture Publication No. 001/2018)
- Seagrass Research – Active participation in habitat mapping and monitoring as a member of the KMFRI Seagrass Net Group
- Scientific Evaluation – Member of KMFRI Scientific Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, contributing to research quality and strategic direction
Research Interests Seaweed Mariculture Systems – Research to enhance local and regional biomass production through improved cultivation techniques and farming systems. Policy Development – Development of policy briefs on mariculture-related issues (culture systems, value addition, post-harvest) to offer policy direction for a sustainable mariculture industry. Seagrass Ecosystem Research – Habitat mapping and monitoring to understand seagrass dynamics and inform conservation strategies. Growth Rate Studies – Published research on growth rates of Eucheuma denticulatum and Kappaphycus alvarezii cultured using modified off-bottom and floating raft techniques in the Kenyan coast (Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science 2018). Alex Kimathi's pioneering research and coordination in seaweed mariculture at KMFRI strengthens the Institute's capacity to develop sustainable seaweed production systems, enhance blue economy opportunities for coastal communities, and provide policy-relevant science for the growth of Kenya's mariculture industry. | 
