Directorate of Freshwater Systems Research
Freshwater Systems Research
The main role of the Directorate is to study chemical and physical processes that affect productivity of inland aquatic ecosystems, including monitoring water quality and pollution in inland waters. It also conducts research on fish quality control, post-harvest preservation and value addition technologies and carries out socio-economic research on aspects relevant to fisheries, environment and other aquatic resources.
The Directorate conducts research on the blue economy and disseminates scientific information on fisheries and other aquatic resources and related natural products.
Research Focus
Chemical and physical processes affecting inland aquatic ecosystem productivity, water quality monitoring, pollution assessment, and fish quality control.
Key Water Bodies
Lake Victoria, Lake Turkana, Lake Baringo and other inland water bodies across Kenya — covering stock assessments, water balance studies and cage aquaculture suitability.
Publications
More than 50 peer-reviewed research publications by scientists in the Freshwater Systems Directorate covering fisheries, limnology and aquatic ecosystem management.
Our Four Core Departments
The Directorate operates through four specialised departments focused on freshwater science, limnology, maritime support and laboratory services.
Freshwater Fisheries
The department undertakes research in freshwater fisheries in order to provide scientific data and information for the sustainable use and management of freshwater fisheries resources to support economic development and food security.
Limnology Research
The department is charged with initiating, planning and implementing research activities under limnology to promote sustainable use and management of aquatic resources to support economic development and food security.
Laboratory Services
Laboratory services supporting all freshwater systems and aquaculture directorates — providing analytical, water quality and biological sample processing capabilities.
Maritime Services
The department provides maritime and vessel operational services to the Freshwater Systems Directorate, supporting field research campaigns across inland water bodies.
Ongoing Research Projects
A selection of current collaborative research projects undertaken by the Freshwater Systems Directorate in partnership with local and international institutions.
SAWA — Sustainable Activities in Water Areas
Gatsby Africa / Longline EnvironmentThe project seeks to undertake spatial planning and establish the carrying capacity for cage culture in Lake Victoria, Kenya, to enhance fish production and minimise resource use conflicts. It takes into account demarcated fish breeding and nursery grounds, water hyacinth hotspots, depth strata and bathymetry, traditional fishing grounds, maritime transport routes and other lake uses.
Lake Turkana Climate & Ecosystem Study
Stony Brook University / Turkana Basin InstituteA pilot study to help formulate predictions of the anthropogenic and climate-driven environmental changes on Lake Turkana and its ecosystem functions, conducted by Stony Brook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences in collaboration with KMFRI and the Turkana Basin Institute (TBI).
Aquaculture Business Development Programme
KMFRI — Freshwater SystemsEstablished the potential, carrying capacity and suitability of dams and other small water bodies in Kenya for aquaculture activities, including post-stocking assessment of performance. Also conducted socio-ecological assessments of fish cage farms in Lake Victoria to determine spatial distribution, stocking density, husbandry practices and socioeconomic impacts.
Key Research Milestones
Significant achievements from the Freshwater Systems Directorate spanning stock assessments, water body studies and aquaculture development.
Lake Victoria Fish Stock Assessments
Regular and annual fish stock assessments in Lake Victoria using state-of-the-art hydroacoustics techniques and improved Catch Assessment Survey methods (e-CAS) in collaboration with the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO).
Lake Baringo Water Balance Study
Freshwater researchers established the water balance for Lake Baringo, investigating precursors to changes in water levels and their impact on fisheries and the surrounding ecosystem.
Dam & Water Body Aquaculture Suitability
Established the potential, carrying capacity and suitability of dams and small water bodies in Kenya for aquaculture, including post-stocking performance assessments for maximum community benefit.
50+ Peer-Reviewed Publications
Scientists in the Freshwater Systems Directorate have produced more than 50 peer-reviewed research publications covering freshwater fisheries, limnology, water quality and aquatic ecosystem management.
Research Collaborators
The Directorate enjoys collaborative research with universities, research institutes and water management organisations both locally and internationally.