Dr. Esther Magondu

Email: emogondu@kmfri.co.ke Email: nimmss2003@yahoo.com

Dr. Esther Wairimu Magondu is a Research Scientist at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) working under the marine aquaculture research division with over 8 years of experience. Her research interests cover culture systems with specific interests in Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA), fish nutrition, selective breeding, broodstock management, seed production, ornamental fish culture, and population genetic studies on fish.

Dr. Magondu is actively involved in on-farm training of fish farmers and coastal community groups for technology transfer, bridging the gap between research and practical application to enhance aquaculture productivity and sustainability at the grassroots level.

She has been involved in collaborative projects in the region and has served as a project investigator for three donor-funded projects: one from the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) investigating fish nutrition for marine cultured fish, and two from the National Research Fund (NRF) – one on seaweed farming methods and an innovation grant on seaweed value addition.

• KCSAP (2020–2022) – Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project: Undertaking research in validating and promoting Improved Fish Strains and Health Management Practices for Climate Smart Aquaculture in Western Kenya.
• WIOMSA MASMA Programme – BLUEGRASI (Nov 2020 – Dec 2022) – Blue Growth Initiative through Farming of Silver Pompano (Trachinotus blochii) and Rabbit Fish (Siganus sutor) for Food Security and Improved Livelihood in East Africa (in partnership with Institute of Marine Science, Zanzibar).

• WIOMSA – Fish nutrition for marine cultured fish
• National Research Fund (NRF) – Seaweed farming methods research
• National Research Fund (NRF) – Innovation Grant – Seaweed value addition

• Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA) – Published research on productivity in marine shrimp ponds using IMTA technology (East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal 2022) and toward integration of sea cucumber and cockles with culture of shrimps in earthen ponds in Kenya (Journal of the World Aquaculture Society 2021).
• Seaweed Farming Impacts – Co-authored research on societal and environmental impacts of seaweed farming in relation to rural development in Kibuyuni village, south coast, Kenya (Ocean and Coastal Management 2020).
• Biofloc Technology – Published research on production of aerobic and anoxic bioflocs from tilapia sludge (International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies 2015) and proximate composition and nutritional properties of bioflocs as fish feed (2016).
• Milkfish Nutrition – Research on growth performance of milkfish fed on formulated and non-formulated diets from locally available ingredients in Kenya (International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies 2016).
• Labeo victorianus Pond Productivity – Published research on enhancing productivity of Labeo victorianus ponds using maize flour as a carbohydrate source (Aquaculture Nutrition 2015) and effect of C/N ratio levels and stocking density on pond environmental quality (2013).
• Published 12 papers – In peer-reviewed journals, plus technical reports, policy briefs, and active participation in regional and local seminars, workshops, conferences, and open days.