Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute

18/08/2026

Why is KMFRI studying seagrass in Shimoni–Vanga?

Besides being critical in providing feeding grounds for fish and other marine organisms, healthy seagrass meadows support fisheries and are vital in blue-carbon storage.

Through the NORAD-supported Blue Food Economy Project, KMFRI is generating evidence to understand, protect and sustainably manage these vital ecosystems.

Healthy seagrass leads to healthy oceans and thriving coastal livelihoods.

But why does healthy seagrass matter? 🌊

🐟 Supports marine life

🎣 Supports fisheries and livelihoods

🌍 Supports climate resilience

🌊 Protects coastal ecosystems

🔬 Provides evidence that informs better decisions

For KMFRI, the research is not just about knowing where to find healthy seagrass ecosystems but understanding its contribution to marine biodiversity, blue food production and the people who depend on the marine resources.

💙 Healthy seagrass. Healthy oceans. Stronger coastal livelihoods.

14/08/2026

KMFRI Chief Research Scientists Dr. Gladys Okemwa and Dr. Edward Kimani represented Kenya at the recently concluded 13th SWIOFC Scientific Committee Meeting, held in Zanzibar, Tanzania, from July 27–30, 2026.

The Scientific Committee plays a critical role in generating scientific advice to support the sustainable management and development of fisheries resources across the Southwest Indian Ocean.

The meeting brought together experts from the region to review and advance the Commission’s scientific and technical work, including fisheries data and statistics, stock assessment, socio-economic assessment, research and capacity development, and strengthening evidence-based fisheries management.

We sincerely thank and all partners for their continued support in strengthening national and regional fisheries capacity and cooperation.

11/08/2026

From research to action

The value of research is realised when scientific knowledge is translated into policies, technologies, investment opportunities and solutions that benefit society.

Join the conversation by registering for ARBECIII

🌊 BE PART OF THE BLUE ECONOMY CONVERSATION! 🌊

The countdown to the 3rd Aquatic Resources & Blue Economy Conference (ARBEC III) is on! 🎉

Are you a researcher, policymaker, industry player, investor, development partner, academic, innovator, or Blue Economy enthusiast? This is your opportunity to connect, share knowledge, showcase innovations and shape conversations that will drive sustainable development across global Blue Economy.

📣 Don't miss out! Register today and secure your place at ARBEC III.

Let's come together to share knowledge, foster partnerships and accelerate innovative solutions for a sustainable and prosperous Blue Economy.

🔗 Scan the code and register now and be part of the conversation!

11/08/2026

🎓 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡, 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐚 & 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲

KMFRI Director General, Dr Paul S. O***a, hosted a delegation from Egerton University for a courtesy call to his office. The interaction provided an opportunity to share insights on marine and fisheries research, innovation, sustainable resource management, and the opportunities within Kenya’s Blue Economy.

It also highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between research institutions and universities in nurturing the next generation of scientists, researchers, and leaders in the Blue Economy space.

KMFRI remains committed to connecting science with learning, innovation, and real-world solutions for sustainable aquatic ecosystems and livelihoods.

05/08/2026

🚨 A Major Milestone for KMFRI!

The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) labs have been officially designated as analytical and reference labs. This was done by the Director General of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) through a Gazette Notice dated 31 July 2026.

This prestigious designation underscores KMFRI's technical excellence and strengthens its role in supporting environmental monitoring, scientific research and evidence-based management of Kenya's aquatic ecosystems.

Our laboratories are now formally recognised to undertake water quality analysis and assessment, including the measurement of key physical and chemical parameters in water samples, soil analysis and noise level measurements. The services will generate reliable scientific data to support pollution monitoring, regulatory compliance, environmental protection and informed decision-making.

This achievement reaffirms KMFRI's commitment to delivering credible scientific solutions that safeguard Kenya's marine, coastal and freshwater resources while advancing the Blue Economy.

Together, we continue to champion science for sustainable development.

05/08/2026

📖 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫.
The July Mtafiti Newsletter is here! Explore the latest research breakthroughs, partnerships, innovations, and milestones shaping the future of our aquatic resources. https://zurl.co/JfiCv

03/08/2026

World Resources Institute is pleased to announce an upcoming webinar, “Waves of Change: Assessing Ocean Commitments in Africa,” on August 11, 2026, from 9:00–10:00 am EDT (4:00–5:00 pm East Africa Time).

The session will focus on the findings of the report, “A Regional Assessment of Our Ocean Conference Commitment Implementation in Africa"

Join the report authors Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute Dr Jacqueline Uku, Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) Dr Arthur Tuda & CORDIO East Africa Dr David Obura along with other co-authors as delve on the subject matter.
Register for the webinar:

https://hub.wri.org/events/2026/8/waves-change-overcoming-barriers-unlocking-ocean-solutions-africa

03/08/2026

🌊 BE PART OF THE BLUE ECONOMY CONVERSATION! 🌊

The countdown to the 3rd Aquatic Resources & Blue Economy Conference (ARBEC III) is on! 🎉

Are you a researcher, policymaker, industry player, investor, development partner, academic, innovator, or Blue Economy enthusiast? This is your opportunity to connect, share knowledge, showcase innovations and shape conversations that will drive sustainable development across global Blue Economy.

📣 Don't miss out! Register today and secure your place at ARBEC III.

Let's come together to share knowledge, foster partnerships and accelerate innovative solutions for a sustainable and prosperous Blue Economy.

🔗 Scan the code and register now and be part of the conversation!

31/07/2026

KMFRI's Baringo Research Station convened one of its first stakeholder meetings to share research findings on Lake Baringo.

The discussions focused on the rising lake water levels, their impact on fisheries production, and the broader effects on community livelihoods. KMFRI's scientific findings also helped resolve a longstanding conflict between the fishing community and law enforcement agencies, fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence among fisheries stakeholders.

By bridging science and community engagement, KMFRI continues to support the sustainable exploitation, management, and conservation of Lake Baringo's fisheries resources.

31/07/2026

KMFRI Naivasha Station hosted a successful inception meeting in collaboration with WWF-Kenya and NAOFO-CBO to launch the Papyrus Reeds Restoration project for Lake Naivasha.

Restoring papyrus vegetation is vital for filtering runoff, protecting fish breeding grounds,and maintaining a healthy Lake ecosystem. The highlight of the meeting was a strong spirit of collective responsibility and mutual support from all key players involved to protect our aquatic resources.