Dr. Elijah Kembenya

Dr. 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. This approach is pertinent given the region's escalating food security challenges. In addition, he 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. Kembenya's devotion to conservation is exemplified by his work on captive breeding of threatened species which demonstrates his dedication to preservation of aquatic biodiversity. He has actively participated in implementing various aquaculture projects aimed at increasing aquaculture production for better livelihoods and income generation. Kembenya 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 Network: Research Gate

Google Scholar link: http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=DxtsDoAAAAJ&hl=en&citsig=AMD79opVCbYI1A1b9obf67nx5rsuOS0_Yg

Location: Mutonga centre

Qualifications:

2016-2022 PhD in Fisheries, Kisii University, Kenya

2013-2015 Masters in Limnology Science, Kisii University, Kenya  

2008-2011 Bsc Fisheries and Aquatic Science, Moi University, Kenya

Publications

1. Kembenya, E., Getabu, A., Njiru, J., & Omondi, R. (2024). Growth, mortality, exploitation, and recruitment patterns of Labeobarbus altianalis(Boulenger, 1900) in River Kuja-Migori, Kenya. Marine and Fishery Sciences (MAFIS), 38(1):1-8 https://doi.org/10.47193/mafis.3812025010109
2. Obiero, K., Ogello, E., Munguti, J., Mboya, J., Kyule, D., Opiyo, M., ... & Yossa, R. (2024). Profiling and Prioritizing Climate‐Smart Aquaculture Technologies, Innovations, and Management Practices in Kenya.Aquaculture Research, 2024(1), 8843677.
3. Robert Nyakwama Ondiba, Erick O. Ogello, Elijah Kembenya, Zipporah Gichana, KevinObiero (2023). Future demand and supply of aquafeed ingredients: Outlines to commercialize non-conventional protein ingredients to enhance aquaculture production for food security in sub-Saharan  Aquatic. Ecosystem Health and Management, 25:75–84.
4. Obiero,O., Mboya, J.B., Ouko, K.O., Kembenya, E.M., Nyauchi, E.A., Munguti, J.M. et al. (2023) The role of indigenous knowledge in fisheries resource management for aquaculture development: A case study of the Kenyan Lake Victoria Region. Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.101.
5. Kembenya,., Getabu, A.., Njiru, J.., & Omondi, R. (2022). Reproductive Biology of Ripon Barbel (Labeobarbus altianalis) In River Kuja-Migori Basin, Kenya. Research in Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries, 9(2), 221–228. https://doi.org/10.3329/ralf.v9i2.61627.
6. KembenyaE, Getabu A, Njiru J, Omondi  (2022) Some aspects of the reproductive biology of Labeo victorianus (Boulenger, 1901) from Kuja-Migori River basin, Kenya. Journal of Fisheries, 10(1): 101205.
7. Kembenya, M & Ondiba, R. O. (2021). Growth performance of male monosex and mixed sex Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) reared in cages, Lake Victoria, Kenya. International Aquatic Research, https://doi.org/10.22034/IAR.2021.1931627.1164.
8. Orina, Ogello E., Kembenya E., Muthoni C., Musa S., Ombwa V., Mwainge V., Abwao J., Ondiba R., Kengere J., Karoza S (2021). The state of cage culture in Lake Victoria: A Focus on Sustainability, Rural Economic Empowerment, and Food Security, Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management, 24 (1): 56–63.
9. Kembenya, E. M., Marcial, H. S., Outa, N. O., Sakakura, Y. and Hagiwara, A. (2016).Captive Breeding of Threatened African Carp, Labeo victorianus, of Lake  Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, doi: 10.1111/jwas.12328.
10. Githukia C. M., Ogello E.O., Kembenya E. M., Achieng’ A. O., Obiero K O., Munguti J.M(2015). Comparative growth performance of male monosex and mixed sex nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus ) reared in earthen ponds. Croatian Journal of Fisheries, 42-53.
11. Githukia C. M., Kembenya E. M.,Opiyo M. A. (2016). Anaesthetic Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate at Different Concentrations on African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Juveniles, Journal of Aquaculture Engineering and Fisheries Research, 2(3): 151-158, doi: 3153/JAEFR16017.
12. Ogello, O., Kembenya, E. M., Obiero, K. O. & Munguti, J. M. (2016). Effects of Nicotina tobacum (Linnaeus) on the survival and behavioral response of the freshwater leeches, Hirudinaria sp., International Journal of Aquatic Sciences, 7(1):1-6.
13. Ogello EO, Kembenya EM, Githukia CM, Aera CN, Munguti JM & Nyamweya CS. (2017).Substitution of fish meal with sunflower seed meal in diets for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus ) reared in earthen ponds, Journal of Applied Aquaculture, DOI: 10.1080/10454438.2016.1275074.
14. Omondi, R., Kembenya, E., Nyamweya, C., Ouma, H., Machua, S.K., & Ogari, Z. (2014).Recent limnological changes and their implication on fisheries in Lake Baringo, Kenya. Journal of Ecology and The Natural Environment, 6 (5): 154-163.
15. Ogello, EO., Kembenya, EM., Githukia, CM., Nyonje, BM., Munguti, JM. (2014). Theoccurrence of the brine shrimp, Artemia franciscana (Kellog 1906) in Kenya and the potential economic impacts among Kenyan coastal communities. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 1(5): 151-156.