Assistant Research Scientist Chemical & Bio-assessment of Water Quality Freshwater Ecosystem Monitoring & Pollution Assessment Water Quality • Ecotoxicology • Nutrient Dynamics • Cage Culture Impacts Email: gbasweti@kmfri.co.ke Email: mbasweti2013@gmail.com Academic Qualifications BSc in Analytical Chemistry with Computing – University of Eldoret (2014)
Diploma in Analytical Chemistry – Kisumu Polytechnic (2007) Research Location & Specialization KMFRI Kisumu Research Centre
Department: Freshwater Systems Research
Specialization: Chemical and Bio-assessment of Water Quality
Research Interests: Inorganic & Organic Pollutants, Ecotoxicology, Data Analysis Experience Over 11 years in freshwater ecosystems
Lab Technologist (Chemistry Laboratory) – many years
Assistant Research Scientist (since 2015) | Leadership Focus: Advancing water quality monitoring and pollution assessment in freshwater ecosystems to inform sustainable management of lake resources and fisheries. George Basweti has worked in freshwater ecosystems for more than 11 years. He trained at Kisumu Polytechnic for a diploma in Analytical Chemistry in 2007 and, in 2014, was awarded a BSc degree in Analytical Chemistry with Computing at the University of Eldoret. He worked as a Lab Technologist in the Chemistry Laboratory for many years, but since 2015, he has been working as an Assistant Research Scientist to date. He has participated in various projects performing Chemical and Bio-assessment of water quality in freshwater ecosystems, with particular emphasis on Lake Victoria and its basin. His research expertise encompasses the analysis of inorganic and organic pollutants, ecotoxicology, and data analysis – providing critical evidence for understanding pollution sources, ecosystem health, and management interventions in Kenya's freshwater systems. Research Specializations & Expertise Water Quality Monitoring Chemical & Bio-assessment Inorganic & Organic Pollutants Ecotoxicology Nutrient Dynamics & Physico-chemical Parameters Point & Non-point Source Pollution Key Research Contributions - Spatio-temporal Trends of Nutrients – Co-authored research on spatio-temporal trends of nutrients and physico-chemical parameters in Lake Victoria, focusing on the Nyanza Gulf prior to cage farming expansion (Lakes & Reservoirs 2020).
- Pollution Source Assessment – Lead presenter on assessment of major point and non-point sources of pollution and their effect on aquatic ecology in Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria (National Wetlands Conference 2021).
- Cage Culture Impacts – Investigated whether cage fish culture operation influences key physical-chemical parameters of Lake Victoria (GLOW 9 International Symposium 2019).
- Lake Kanyaboli Conservation – Contributed to research on balancing community needs and resource protection for Lake Kanyaboli, Kenya (Journal of Biodiversity and Endangered Species 2018).
Technical Reports & Policy Contributions Mapping & Monitoring Pollution Sources – Lead author of comprehensive technical report on mapping and monitoring major point sources of pollution and assessing their effect on fish ecology in Lake Victoria (KMFRI Technical Report 2021, 88pp). Pollution Monitoring in Biodiversity Hotspots – Co-authored technical report on monitoring pollution in 4 biodiversity hotspots in Lake Victoria (Kuja, Nzoia, Yala, and Sondu-Miriu river mouths) for informed management decisions (KMFRI 2018, 116pp). Gillnet Survey & Gear Selectivity – Co-authored technical report on annual gillnet surveys to establish gear selectivity and effects on population structure for key species (Tilapia, Nile perch, Omena) in Lake Victoria (KMFRI 2018, 61pp). Macrophytes & Invasive Weeds Monitoring – Co-authored technical report on monitoring the extent of macrophytes and other invasive weeds on Lake Victoria to establish impacts on fisheries (KMFRI 2017, 33pp). Cage Culture Ecological Impacts – Co-authored technical report on determination of environmental, social, and ecological impacts of cage culture in Lake Victoria to guide management (KMFRI 2017, 60pp). George Basweti's expertise in chemical and bio-assessment of water quality at KMFRI strengthens the Institute's capacity to monitor pollution sources, assess ecosystem health, and provide evidence-based advice for the sustainable management of Kenya's freshwater resources – particularly Lake Victoria, its fisheries, and the livelihoods that depend upon them. |
