Overview
About Kisumu Centre
The Kisumu Research Centre is KMFRI's principal freshwater research facility, situated on the shores of Lake Victoria — Africa's largest lake by surface area and the world's second-largest freshwater lake. Established in 1979, the centre has been at the forefront of research into the lake's complex ecology, including its renowned cichlid assemblage, Nile perch (Lates niloticus), and dagaa (Rastrineobola argentea). Research at Kisumu directly informs management decisions for a fishery that sustains the livelihoods of over three million people across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
At a Glance
Established
1979
Ecosystem
Freshwater (Lake Victoria)
Email
kisumu@kmfri.go.ke
Address
P.O. Box 1881–40100
Kisumu, Kenya
Kisumu, Kenya
Coordinates
0°05′S, 34°45′E
Research
Research Focus Areas
Lake Victoria Fisheries
Catch assessment, population dynamics, and biological studies of Nile perch, tilapia, and dagaa in Lake Victoria, supporting transboundary stock management.
Limnology & Water Quality
Monitoring of physico-chemical parameters, nutrient loading, dissolved oxygen, and eutrophication in Lake Victoria and its inflows.
Cichlid Ecology & Genetics
Studies of the lake's endemic cichlid species, biodiversity monitoring, and molecular identification of haplochromine assemblages.
Aquaculture Development
Research into cage culture, integrated rice-fish farming, and production systems for tilapia and catfish suited to the Lake Victoria basin.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure & Facilities
- Freshwater research vessels
- Limnological and water chemistry laboratory
- Aquaculture demonstration ponds
- Fish quality and processing laboratory
- Biological specimen library
- Research and conference facilities