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KMFRI Publishes New Edition of Kenya Aquatica Journal Showcasing Pioneering Freshwater Research

June 19, 2025

The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) OFFICIAL is pleased to announce the release of the latest edition of the Kenya Aquatica Journal, Volume 10, Issue 1, which highlights groundbreaking research on Kenya’s freshwater ecosystems. This edition has been produced through the collaborative support of #KMFRI and the WIOMSA - Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association under the Marine and Coastal Science for Management (MASMA) programme. The edition is available at:

https://www.kmfri.go.ke/index.php/component/sppagebuilder/page/181

The issue presents a diverse array of scientific studies addressing ecological, socio-economic, and environmental challenges, offering valuable insights into sustainable management practices for Kenya’s aquatic resources.

Key Highlights from the Edition:

Antimicrobial Resistance & Fish Health:A study on disease surveillance in fish from lacustrine cage farms sheds light on antimicrobial resistance and emphasizes the need for responsible antibiotic use to ensure aquatic animal health and food safety.
Pesticide Pollution:Research on the impact of organochlorine pesticides in lake ecosystems advocates the use of Rhagovelia spp. as bioindicators for monitoring pesticide effects across aquatic food webs.
Fisheries Management in Lake Baringo:An assessment of catch and effort composition underscores the need for regulatory enforcement and stakeholder capacity building to prevent overfishing.
Fish Kills in Lake Victoria:This study attributes wild fish kills to eutrophication and pollution, recommending integrated watershed management as a solution to safeguard fisheries and local livelihoods.
Conservation of Lake Elementaita:A multidisciplinary study combining water quality assessments, fisheries research, and community surveys calls for sustainable agriculture and conservation strategies in this key flamingo sanctuary.
Fisheries Co-management:Findings from Lake Baringo emphasize the critical role of community involvement in achieving ecosystem management success, despite enforcement challenges.
Socio-Economic Dynamics of Lake Victoria:A proposal for a citizen science-based regulatory framework aims to improve long-term sustainability of Lake Victoria’s resources.
Plastic Pollution in Lake Turkana:Research recommends public awareness, improved waste management, and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations to combat plastic pollution.
Antimicrobial Resistance & Biodiversity:A review explores Kenya’s aquatic biodiversity for potential novel antimicrobial agents, highlighting the country’s underutilized genetic resources.
Genetic Diversity of Freshwater Fish:This study identifies gaps in genetic data and calls for expanded research to inform fish conservation and management strategies.
Fish Market Infrastructure in Lake Naivasha:An evaluation of fishery dynamics recommends investment in infrastructure such as fish markets and hatcheries to support the local fishery sector.

This edition of Kenya Aquatica underscores KMFRI’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting sustainable management of Kenya’s freshwater ecosystems. The publication reflects the Institute’s role in supporting the national and regional Blue Economy agenda through evidence-based research and policy recommendations.

The Chief Editor, who is also Principal Research Scientist at KMFRI Dr Melchzedeck Osore and the Editorial Board of Kenya Aquatica extend their heartfelt appreciation to KMFRI and #WIOMSA for their support in the preparation, compilation, and production of this important edition.

About Kenya Aquatica

Kenya Aquatica is the official scientific journal of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI). It provides a platform for #KMFRI researchers and collaborators to disseminate findings from studies conducted in Kenya’s aquatic environments. The journal supports KMFRI’s mandate to conduct research in marine and freshwater fisheries, aquaculture, ecological and environmental studies, and oceanography, contributing vital scientific data for the sustainable development of the Blue Economy.

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Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue economy and Maritime Affairs Hon Ali Hassan Joho EGH courtesy visit at KMFRI

The newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs H.E Ali Hassan Joho, EGH, on Monday 19th August, 2024 made his first official visit to KMFRI since his appointment. The CS, who is a former Governor of Mombasa county was accompanied by his successor, H.E Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir and Principal Secretary of State Department of Fisheries and Blue Economy Madam Betsy Njagi, CBS.

The CS acknowledged KMFRI's efforts in harnessing the Blue Economy, urging the institute to do more to unlock the massive potential gains of aquaculture and mariculture.

"The Blue Economy is very broad. Mining, tourism and oil extraction are also components of the BE. Stock assessment is critical and investors need this data," said the CS.

The former Governor said the potential sitting on our waters is enormous and we must put in place plans to create more jobs for our youth, and generate higher revenue, adding that the benefits will reduce overdependence on the exchequer.

"Dependence on the exchequer compels the government to increase taxes," he said, pointing out that it places unnecessary burden on taxpayers.

The CS, Governor and PS also planted commemorative trees at KMFRI headquarters.

Earlier, the CS was warmly received by KMFRI's Ag Director General Dr Jacob Ochiewo and led to his office for a courtesy visit before addressing KMFRI's top managers at the Institute's Dolphin Hall. Dr Ochiewo delivered a presentation that showcased KMFRI's research milestones and the Institute's contribution to the Blue Economy sector.

The Governor welcomed the CS to Mombasa and wished him the best in his new role.

The PS commended KMFRI for her milestones in research and acknowledged the role of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) in supporting the Blue Economy, saying there is need to develop a framework to aid implementation.

The CS and his delegation also toured KMFRI's herbarium, home to a collection of freshwater and marine fisheries specimens, which play a significant role in supporting and preserving scientific knowledge and biodiversity data.