Overview
About Naivasha Station
The Naivasha Research Station monitors the ecology and fisheries of Lake Naivasha, a Ramsar-designated freshwater lake in Kenya's Rift Valley known for its exceptional biodiversity and globally significant wetlands. Established in 1995, the station studies the lake's fisheries, water quality, and the ecological impacts of intensive horticulture — including large-scale flower farming — that dominates the lake's catchment. Research at Naivasha informs management of the large-mouth bass and tilapia fisheries and contributes to conservation of the lake's internationally important papyrus and hippo-grazed grassland ecosystems.
At a Glance
Established
1995
Ecosystem
Freshwater (Lake Naivasha)
Phone
+254 786 663 467
Email
naivasha@kmfri.go.ke
Address
P.O. Box 1080
Naivasha, Nakuru County, Kenya
Naivasha, Nakuru County, Kenya
Coordinates
0°46′S, 36°21′E
Research
Research Focus Areas
Lake Naivasha Ecology
Long-term monitoring of water levels, macrophyte cover, nutrient concentrations, and phytoplankton dynamics in Lake Naivasha.
Bass & Tilapia Fisheries
Population dynamics, CPUE monitoring, and recreational-fishery assessment for large-mouth bass and various tilapia species.
Water Quality & Eutrophication
Tracking nutrient inputs from horticultural runoff and assessing their effects on algal blooms and oxygen depletion.
Wetland Conservation
Papyrus fringe mapping, hippo-impact studies, and ecological assessments supporting Ramsar Contracting Party obligations for Lake Naivasha.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure & Facilities
- Wetland ecology research equipment
- Research and sampling vessel
- Water quality and nutrient analysis laboratory
- Ramsar and WHYCOS monitoring instruments