Research Scientist Aquaculture & Fisheries Management Aquaculture Innovation & Food Security Tilapia Culture • Captive Breeding • Aqua-feed Development • Conservation Academic Qualifications PhD in Fisheries – Kisii University, Kenya (2016–2022) MSc in Limnology Science – Kisii University, Kenya (2013–2015) BSc in Fisheries and Aquatic Science – Moi University, Kenya (2008–2011) Research Focus Areas Innovative Aquaculture Technologies • Sustainable Resource Management • Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa • Captive Breeding of Threatened Species • Aqua-feed Development Research Location KMFRI Mutonga Centre Department: Aquaculture & Fisheries | Leadership Focus: Driving aquaculture innovation and sustainable fisheries management to enhance food security, improve livelihoods, and preserve aquatic biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa through research, technology development, and practical implementation. Dr. Elijah Kembenya has made major contributions to the field of aquaculture and fishery management. His work is largely concerned with improving food security in Sub-Saharan Africa through innovative aquaculture technologies and sustainable resource management. One of his publications discusses the future demand and supply of aqua-feed ingredients, focusing on the commercialization of non-traditional protein sources to increase aquaculture production – an approach that is pertinent given the region's escalating food security challenges. In addition, Dr. Kembenya has studied the growth of Nile tilapia in various habitats, including cage systems in Lake Victoria and earthen ponds. His research, published in prominent journals, sheds light on the ideal conditions for tilapia culture, thereby contributing to the long-term development of aquaculture techniques. His devotion to conservation is exemplified by his work on captive breeding of threatened species, which demonstrates his dedication to preservation of aquatic biodiversity. Dr. Kembenya has actively participated in implementing various aquaculture projects aimed at increasing aquaculture production for better livelihoods and income generation. He continues to play a critical role in developing aquaculture and fisheries science, making important contributions to both academic understanding and practical applications in the field. Research Specializations & Expertise Innovative Aquaculture Technologies Sustainable Resource Management Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa Captive Breeding of Threatened Species Aqua-feed Development & Commercialization Fish Population Dynamics & Reproductive Biology Climate-Smart Aquaculture Key Research Contributions & Publications Aqua-feed Security & Innovation – Co-authored research on future demand and supply of aquafeed ingredients, outlining strategies to commercialize non-conventional protein ingredients to enhance aquaculture production for food security in sub-Saharan Africa (Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management 2023). Threatened Species Conservation – Lead author on captive breeding of threatened African carp, Labeo victorianus, of Lake Victoria (Journal of the World Aquaculture Society 2016), demonstrating dedication to aquatic biodiversity preservation. Nile Tilapia Culture Systems – Research on growth performance of male monosex and mixed sex Nile tilapia reared in cages in Lake Victoria (International Aquatic Research 2021) and comparative growth performance in earthen ponds (Croatian Journal of Fisheries 2015), contributing to long-term development of aquaculture techniques. Fish Reproductive Biology – Research on reproductive biology of Ripon Barbel (Labeobarbus altianalis) in River Kuja-Migori Basin, Kenya (Research in Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries 2022) and aspects of reproductive biology of Labeo victorianus from the same basin (Journal of Fisheries 2022). Growth & Population Dynamics – Research on growth, mortality, exploitation, and recruitment patterns of Labeobarbus altianalis in River Kuja-Migori, Kenya (Marine and Fishery Sciences 2024). Climate-Smart Aquaculture – Co-authored research on profiling and prioritizing climate-smart aquaculture technologies, innovations, and management practices in Kenya (Aquaculture Research 2024). Cage Culture in Lake Victoria – Co-authored research on the state of cage culture in Lake Victoria, focusing on sustainability, rural economic empowerment, and food security (Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management 2021). Indigenous Knowledge – Research on the role of indigenous knowledge in fisheries resource management for aquaculture development, with a case study of the Kenyan Lake Victoria Region (Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries 2023). Alternative Feed Ingredients – Research on substitution of fish meal with sunflower seed meal in diets for Nile tilapia reared in earthen ponds (Journal of Applied Aquaculture 2017). Dr. Elijah Kembenya's research and leadership in aquaculture and fisheries management at KMFRI strengthens the Institute's capacity to develop innovative aquaculture technologies, conserve threatened aquatic species, enhance food security, and promote sustainable livelihoods – making critical contributions to both academic understanding and practical applications in the field. |