About the Directorate
The Directorate of Aquaculture Research conducts research across freshwater and marine aquaculture environments, developing technologies and innovations that support sustainable fish farming for food security and economic growth.
Mandated under the Science, Technology and Innovation Act No. 28 of 2013, it generates and disseminates Technologies, Innovations and Management Practices (TIMPs) — from breeding and nutrition to fish health and value addition — through a national network of research centres.
Departments & Sections
Three departments span the freshwater-to-marine aquaculture value chain.
Freshwater Aquaculture
Research in cold- and warm-water freshwater environments for sustainable Blue Economy resource management.
Mariculture
Research into the culture of marine aquatic organisms for sustainable coastal development.
Aquaculture Research Laboratories
Analytical and technical support providing scientific data across all aquaculture research activities.
Six Thematic Research Areas
The Directorate’s research is organised around six broad thematic areas.
Culture Systems & Technologies
Culture systems, technologies and innovations for productive, sustainable aquaculture.
Fish Seed Production
Quality fish seed through novel breeding and genetic-improvement techniques.
Feed Formulation & Nutrition
Fish feed formulation, processing and nutrition management to cut costs and boost yields.
Fish Health & Biosecurity
Disease management and biosecurity, including diagnostic kits, vaccines and quarantine.
Marketing & Value Addition
Innovative fish marketing, post-harvest preservation and value-addition technologies.
Socio-economics
Cross-cutting socio-economic issues that shape adoption and impact in aquaculture.
Research Centres & Hatcheries
A national network of aquaculture research and training centres.
Shimoni — NAMARET
The National Mariculture Research & Training Centre, home to the first marine hatchery in the Western Indian Ocean region.
Sagana Centre
Freshwater aquaculture research, incorporating the Nairobi Liaison Office.
Kegati & Sang’oro
Freshwater aquaculture research, training and capacity-building centres in western Kenya.
Field Sub-centres
Sub-centres in Taita-Taveta County and Mutonga (Tharaka Nithi County).