Dr. Teresia Nyambura Wacira

Email: tnyambura@kmfri.go.ke

Dr. Teresia Nyambura Wacira, PhD, is Head of Laboratory Services in the Freshwater Systems Directorate of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), based at the Kisumu Research Centre. She oversees laboratory services across Kisumu, Naivasha, Turkana and Baringo, as well as laboratory facilities aboard the research vessel RV Uvumbuzi. She also leads the FS-BioSafe Innovation Hub, focused on Microbiology and Laboratory Quality Assurance and formally nested within the Freshwater Systems Directorate.

Dr. Wacira earned her PhD in Biotechnology from the Technical University of Mombasa in 2025, with research on the diversity and microbiome of metazoan marine sponges. She also holds an MSc in Biotechnology from the same university and a Bachelor of Technology in Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Her expertise includes molecular genetics, bioinformatics, microbiology, microbial safety, antimicrobial resistance, fish barcoding, molecular characterization and aquatic biological research.

She established the first Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics Laboratory at KMFRI’s Kisumu Centre in 2024 and contributes to research collaborations and externally funded projects, including USAID-supported work on fish health and antimicrobial resistance. She has published and co-authored peer-reviewed scientific papers. Dr. Wacira is committed to mentorship, scientific leadership, gender justice and youth empowerment, and to developing laboratory systems that translate research into practical benefits for aquatic ecosystems, food safety and the blue economy.

• Heads Laboratory Services for the Freshwater Systems Directorate, based at KMFRI Kisumu Research Centre.
• Coordinates laboratory services across Kisumu, Naivasha, Turkana and Baringo stations, and laboratory facilities aboard RV Uvumbuzi.
• Oversees laboratory policies, standard operating procedures, analytical quality systems, method validation, laboratory safety, sample and specimen management, and equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Leads the FS-BioSafe Innovation Hub in Microbiology and Laboratory Quality Assurance, nested within the Freshwater Systems Directorate.
• Established the first Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics Laboratory at KMFRI Kisumu Centre in 2024.
• Supports research collaborations, externally funded projects, laboratory capacity development, and mentorship of students and junior laboratory personnel.

• Member, Board of Examiners, Technical University of Mombasa (2020–present).
• Reviewer for international peer-reviewed journals, including Journal of Experimental Agriculture International and African Journal of Microbiology Research.
• Member of KMFRI institutional and technical committees, including budget, asset disposal, performance appraisal, revenue mobilization and collaboration task teams.
• Contributor to laboratory quality systems, technical standards, SOP development, analytical method validation and laboratory capacity development.

1. Wacira, T. N., Makonde, H. M., Kamau, J. N., Aura, C. M., & Kibiti, C. M. (2025). Characterization and bioactivity potential of marine sponges from Kenyan coastal waters. PLOS ONE, 20(7), e0325642. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0325642.
2. Wacira, T. N., Makonde, H. M., Kamau, J. N., & Kibiti, C. M. (2025). Identification and Antimicrobial Potential of Marine Sponges from Kenyan Marine Waters. International Journal of Microbiology, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1155/ijm/4208163.
3. Teplitz, E. M., Mwainge, V. M., Wacira, T. N., et al. (2025). Disease and Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance for Nile Tilapia Pathogens in Lake Victoria, Kenya. Journal of Fish Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfd.70022.
4. Wacira, T. N., Makonde, H. M., Aura, C. M., et al. (2025). Genetic research: Global and Kenyan contextual comprehensive review of freshwater fish populations. Aquatica Journal.
5. Wacira, T. N., Makonde, H. M., Kamau, J. N., Aura, C. M., & Kibiti, C. M. (2025). Marine organisms: A hidden treasure trove from the Kenyan waters for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Aquatica Journal.
6. Benjamin, W. P., Wacira, T. N., et al. (2025). Molecular characterization and lead (Pb) tolerance of Penicillium and Aspergillus species from contaminated soils in Owino Uhuru, Mombasa, Kenya. African Journal of Microbiology Research, 19(8), 171–186. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJMR2025.9793.
7. Wacira, T. N., Makonde, H. M., Bosire, C. M., & Kibiti, C. M. (2024). Molecular Characterization and Antibacterial Potential of Endophytic Fungal Isolates from Selected Mangroves along the Coastline of Kenya. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3948440/v1.
8. Meyer, A., Benjamen, D., Wacira, T., Volandiana, A., Joseph, C., & Kipyegon, J. K. (2023). Lab Protocols for Fish Barcoding. https://doi.org/10.21244/zmt.2023.002.
9. Meyer, A., Wacira, T., Benjamen, D., Volandiana, A., Joseph, C., & Kipyegon, J. K. (2023). Booklet Barcoding Protocols. https://doi.org/10.21244/zmt.2023.002.
10. Wacira, T. N., Makonde, H. M., Bosire, C. M., Mzee, S. S., Mwamburi, S. M., & Kibiti, C. M. (2020). Isolation and morphological characterization of endophytic fungi isolated from mangrove plants along the Kenyan coastline. African Journal of Microbiology Research, 14(10), 594–607. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJMR2020.9402.