Freshwater Systems (FWS) Laboratories & Services
Advancing science for sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, environmental health and freshwater resource management. The KMFRI Freshwater Systems Laboratories provide multidisciplinary analytical, diagnostic, research, monitoring, training, and consultancy services supporting the sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems and aquatic resources in Kenya.
The laboratories are strategically located at the Kisumu, Naivasha, Turkana, and Baringo Research Centres, with additional onboard laboratory facilities aboard the Research Vessel (RV) Uvumbuzi. The FWS Laboratories are ISO 9001:2015 certified and are preparing for ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation and NEMA approval.
Our Laboratories & Services
- Nutrient profiling (nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, SRP, TP, silicates, sulphates)
- Physicochemical parameters (pH, DO, alkalinity, hardness, TSS, TDS, turbidity)
- Chlorophyll-a & Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)
- Pollution mapping & long-term surveillance of lakes and rivers
- Phyto- & zooplankton identification and quantification
- Benthic macroinvertebrate & macrophyte assessment
- Habitat assessment & biodiversity surveys
- Reference collections via museum & herbarium services
- Fish stock assessment & monitoring
- Taxonomy, species identification & histology
- Reproductive biology, fecundity & population dynamics
- Fisheries observer programmes (nearshore & offshore)
- Total & faecal coliforms, E. coli, total plate count
- Isolation of fish-associated bacterial pathogens
- Proximate & biochemical profiling; bioactive compounds
- Fish quality, post-harvest loss & value addition
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) & MIC determination
- Detection of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria
- Molecular characterization of resistance determinants
- Screening of aquatic natural products for antimicrobial activity
- DNA extraction, PCR amplification & gel documentation
- DNA sequencing & phylogenetic analysis
- Fish barcoding & species authentication
- Population genetics & genetic diversity assessment
- Investigation of fish mortality (fish-kill) incidents
- Rapid emergency environmental sampling
- Harmful algal bloom monitoring & evaluation
- Technical advisory to national and county governments
- Cage culture technology & pond design advisory
- Aquaculture systems management & consultancy
- Aquarium design, fabrication & installation
- Fingerling sourcing & disease-prevention training
- Guided laboratory tours for schools, colleges & universities
- Research mentorship, attachments & internships
- Technical training workshops & demonstrations
- Community awareness & stakeholder engagement
Knowledge Products & Information Services
Fish Recipe Book
Practical recipes promoting fish consumption and nutrition.
Fish Farmers Manual
A hands-on guide for productive and sustainable fish farming.
Cage Farming Best Practices
Best management practices for cage fish farming in Lake Victoria.
Good Aquaculture Practices
Guidance for quality seed production and the status of aquaculture in Kenya.
Why Choose the FWS Laboratories
National Leadership
Premier authority in freshwater ecosystem monitoring and wild fisheries research across Kenya.
Multidisciplinary Expertise
Qualified analysts, technologists and senior researchers across many disciplines.
Modern Infrastructure
Advanced platforms, mobile field labs and lake research vessels, including RV Uvumbuzi.
Emergency Response
Rapid scientific deployment during fish kills, pollution shocks and algal-bloom hazards.
Hubs: Kisumu, Naivasha, Turkana & Baringo Research Centres
Postal: P.O. Box 1881–40100, Kisumu, Kenya
Tel: +254 (20) 8021561 / +254 735 102306
Email: director@kmfri.go.ke
