Prof. James Njiru is the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute. He has a wealth of experience in Fisheries Research and Academia. He is a graduate of Moi University with a BSc in Zoology, Botany and Chemistry, MSc in Aquatic Science, Fish Biology and Ecology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. He obtained his Ph.D from Moi University in the same field.

Prof. Njiru started his career as an Assistant Research Officer in KMFRI in 1989 where he rose to a Senior Research Officer before he moved to Moi University in 2005 as a lecturer. From 2012, he was an Associate Professor in the department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Eldoret, Chepkoilel. He moved to Kisii University in 2014 where he held various responsibilities as a Head of Department, Director of undergraduate Studies to his last assignment as the Director for Post-graduate studies. He has been a team leader in many research projects in the region. He is widely published and also has authored 35 children books with four approved by the Ministry of Education in its curriculum. He is also the current Managing Editor of the East African Journal of Water Association and a Reviewer of four peer reviewed journals. Prof. Njiru is the Secretary to the Aquatic Science Association of Kenya.

Research networks: ResearchGate

PUBLICATIONS:

• Kiilu B.K.,  Kaunda-Arara B. Oddenyo R., Thoya P. and Njiru J. (2019) Spatial distribution, seasonal abundance and exploitation status of shark species in Kenyan coastal waters African Journal of Marine Science 2019, 41(2)
• Mkare, T. K.,  Fatuma Ali Mzingirwa F. A. Njiru J., Nyingi, D W. Genetic diversity and spatial population structure of a Deep water snapper, Pristipomoidesfilamentosus in the south-west Indian Ocean"
• Aura C., Nyamweya C. Njiru J., C. Odoli., Musa S..Ogari Z., Abila R., Okeyo R. and Oketch R. (2019)  Using fish landing sites and markets information towards quantification of the blue economy to enhance fisheries management  Fisheries Management and Ecology 26 (2) 142-152https://doi.org/10.1111/fme.12334
• Ongore C., Aura C. Ogari Z., Njiru J., Nyamweya (2018) Spatial-temporal dynamics of water hyacinth, Eichhorniacrassipes (Mart.), other macrophytes, and their impact on fisheries in Lake Victoria, Kenya'. Journal of Great Lakes Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2018.10.001
• Bironga C. H., Aura C. M., and Njiru J. (2019). Ovarian Development of the penaeid shrimp Penaeus indicus (Decapoda): A case for the Indian Ocean Coastal waters of Kilifi. Fisheries and Aquaculture Journal  10:1 DOI: 10.4172/2150-3508.1000262
• Njiru J.M. and  Aura C (2019) Cage farming can protect Lake Victoria’s fish. But regulations need tightening. https://theconversation.com/drafts/112641

2018

• Mumbah S. K. Manyala J. O. and Njiru J. (2018) Influence of salt work hyper-brine on distribution of mangrove crabs (Decapoda) within theGongoni-Kurawa intertidal area. Kenya. Kenya Aquatica 4 (1) 38-47
• Njiru J.M. and   M. van der Knaap, Kundu Rand Nyamweya C. (2018) Lake Victoria Fisheries: Outlook and Management?Lakes & Reservoirs: Research and Management 23:152–162.
• Nyaundi J.K., GetabuA.M., Kengara F., Onchieku J., Njiru J. M, Kinaro Z.O., Babu J. M., Sitoki, L.M., Osoro, E.M (2018). ‘Assessment of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) contamination in relation to physico-chemical parameters in the Upper River KujaCatchment, Kenya (East Africa)’: IJFAS, International Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Studies. Ref: (2019) Fish: 6-5-37: http://www.fisheriesjournal.com/
• KMFRI(2018) (Eds) Njiru J., Ruwa R., Kimani E., Ong’anda H.,Okemwa G. &Osore M.) The RV Mtafiti: Marine Research towards Food Security and Economic Development for Kenya119 pp.
• Aura C. M., Nyamweya C.S, Njiru J. M.,Musa S., Ogari Z. May L. Wakwabi(2018) Exploring the demarcation requirements of fish breeding sites to balance the management and conservation needs of the lake ecosystem. Fisheries Management and Ecology 2018;1–9.
• Njiru J. M and C. Ngugi  (Eds) (2018) State of Cage Culture in Lake Victoria, Kenya, pp 62. LaxPress, Kenya.
• Njiru J. M.,  Aura C. M. and Okechi J.K.(2018) Cage culture in Lake Victoria: a disaster or a saviour in waiting?  Fisheries Management and Ecology. 00: 1-9.
• Aura C., Musa S.,  Yongo E., Okechi J. K., Njiru J. M., Ogari Z., Wanyama R., Charo-Karisha H., Mbugua H., Kidera S., Ombwa V., and Abwao J. (2018) Integration of mapping and socio-economic status of cage culture: Towards balancing lake-use and culture fisheries in Lake Victoria, Kenya. Aquaculture research 49 (1) 532-545.
• Lawrence T. J.,  Njiru J.M., Nunan F., Obiero K.O.,   Van der Knaap M. and Oliva C. Mkumbo O. C. (2018). Learning from the Transboundary Governance of Lake Victoria’s Fisheries. In: Eds(Grover V. I. & Krantzberg G.)  Lake Transboundary Lakes Governace pg 128-148. Science Publishers, CRC Press/Taylor and Francis Group

2017

• Aloo P.A, Njiru J. , Balirwa and J. S. Nyamweya  C  (2017). Impacts of Nile Perch, Lates niloticus on the Ecology, Economy and Conservation of Lake Victoria, East Africa Lakes & Reservoirs: Research and Management  22 (4): 320-333.
• Meseret M. M., Njiru M. and Yasindi A. W. (2017- in press) Feeding pattern and size at first maturity (Lm₅₀) of the exotic African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Clariidae) in Lake Naivasha, Kenya"  African Journal of Ecology 00: 1-4DOI: 10.1111/aje .12438
• Njiru M. J and Aura M. C. (2017) Life in the ocean – Chapter 1: UNESCO-IOC. Stories of Africa’s Ocean and Coasts: Volume 2: Kenya’s Coastal and Resources and Environment, Mwanyuma H., Odido M., Lamin A.R., and Mackongo L-A. (Eds). IOC Information Document, 1319.
• Nyamweya C. S Sturludottir E., Tomasson T., Taabu-Munyaho A., Njiru M., Stefansson G. (2017) Prediction of Lake Victoria's response to varied fishing regimes using the Atlantis ecosystem model. Fisheries Research194 (2017) 76–83
• Aura  C. M., Kimani E., Musa S., Kundu K, Njiru J. M (2017) Spatio-temporal macroinvertebrate multi-index of biotic integrity (MMiBI) for a coastal river basin: a case study of River Tana, Kenya. Ecohydrology & Hydrobiology17: 113–124.
• Njiru J., Waithaka  E.,  Aloo P.  (2017) An Overview of the Current Status of Lake Naivasha Fishery: Challenges and Management Strategies. The Open Fish Science Journal, 10, 1-12. 

2016

• Obiero K. O., Waidbacher H., Drexler S.S, Winkler G., Manyala J.O., Njiru M. J., Arara  B. (2016). Knowledge management and investing in human capacity development for aquacultural education and training in Africa. Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa. Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Ibar publication. Pg 167-184
• Aura C. Kimani E. Musa S. Kundu R. Njiru M. (2016). Spatio-temporal macroinvertebrate multi-index biotic integrity (MMiBI) for a coastal river basin: a case study of River Tana, Kenya. Ecohydrology and Hydrobiology (on line Oct. 2016)
• Nyamweya, C. Sturludottir, E. Tomasson, T, Taabu-Munyaho, A., Njiru, M,. Stefansson, G. (2016)  Fish and Fisheries Prediction of Lake Victoria's response to varied fishing regimes using the Atlantis ecosystem model. Environmental Modeling & Software 86 158-167.
• Kundu R., Muchiri M., Njiru M., Nyamweya C (2016)  Effect of Social and Economic Drivers on Success of Small Scale Fish farming in Western Kenya.  African Journal of Tropical Hydrobiology and Fisheries 14: 29- 44.
• Yongo, E.,Manyala, J.O.,Njiru, J.M., Outa, N.O., Kito and K. Matsushita,Y. (2016) Length-weight relationship, Condition factor, Sex ratio, Gonadal Somatic Index and Size at Maturity of Omena, Rastrineobola argentea (Pellegrin, 1904) in Lake Victoria, Kenya. International Journal of Advanced Research.30 (4)
• Yongo E., J.O. Manyala, K. Kito, Y. Matsushita, N.O. Outa and J.M. Njiru (2016) "Diet of Silver Cyprinid, Rastrineobola argentea in Lake Victoria, Kenya. International Journal of Advanced Research, 4, ( 4) 144- 149

2015

• Moraa Z.,  Njiru J. Raburu P and Masese F.O (2015): Effects of human activities on macro-invertebrate community composition and water quality in the upper catchment of Mara River Basin, Kenya. Lakes and Reservoirs: Research and Management  20: 128–137
• Njiru James, Morara George, Waithaka Edna, James Mugo (2015) Fish Kills In Lake Naivasha, Kenya:  What Was The Probable Cause? International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies 3(1) 179-184
• Obiero Kevin Odhiambo, Richard O. Abila, Murithi J. Njiru et al (2015). The Challenges of Fisheries Management: Recent Experiences in Implementing Fisheries Co-Management in Lake Victoria, Kenya. Lakes & Reservoirs: Research and Management, 20: 1–16 
• Mugo-Bundi, J., Oyoo-Okoth, E., Ngugi, C. C., Manguya-Lusega, D., Rasowo, J., Chepkirui-Boit, V., Opiyo, M. and Njiru, J. (2015), Utilization of Caridina nilotica (Roux) meal as a protein ingredient in feeds for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Aquaculture Research, 46: 346–357. doi: 10.1111/are.12181
• Babu, J. M, Sitoki L. M, Ogendi G. M., Getabu A. M., Boera P. N. Akunga  G. N., Nyaundi J. K., Njiru J. M., Mwayuli G. A., Olilo C (2016). Effects of point source pollution on water quality, phytoplankton diversity and abundance in lake  Victoria, Kenya. International Journal of Fisheries  and Aquatic Studies2015; 2(5): 57-64

2014

• Mokoro, A., Oyoo-Okoth, E., Ngugi, C. C., Njiru, J., Rasowo, J., Chepkirui-Boit, V. and Manguya-Lusega, D. (2014), Effects of stocking density and feeding duration in cage-cum-pond-integrated system on growth performance, water quality and economic benefits of Labeo victorianus (Boulenger 1901) culture. Aquaculture Research, 45: 1672–1684. doi: 10.1111/are.12112
• Outa N, Njiru J. Kitaka N (2014).  Some aspects of the feeding ecology of Nile tilapia   Oreochromis niloticus in Lake Naivasha, Kenya. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies 2(2): 01-08
• Outa N, Njiru J. Kitaka N (2014).  Length-weight relationship, condition factor, length at first maturity and sex ratio of Nile tilapia,Oreochomis niloticus in Lake Naivasha, Kenya. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies 2(2): 67-72
• Njiru M., Martin van Knaap, M. A. Taabu, C. Nyamweya, R. Kayanda, E. Mlaponi, B. Marshall (2014) Management of Lake Victoria fishery: Are we looking for easy solutions? Aquatic Ecosystem Health Management Journal Ecosystem Health & Management, 17:1, 70-79.
• Ani-Sabwa Josiah, Mlewa Chrisestom Mwatete, James Njiru (2014). Effects of Greenhouse and Stocking Density on Growth and Survival of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell 1822) Fry Reared in High Altitude Kenya Regions. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)  ISSN (Online): 2319-7064

2013

• Aloo P, Ojwang W., Omondi R., Njiru  J M and  Oyugi D. A. (2013) review of the impacts of invasive aquatic weeds on the biodiversity of some tropical water bodies with special reference to Lake Victoria (Kenya). Biodiversity Journal, 2013, 4 (4): 471-482
• Miriam W. Wainaina, Boaz Kaunda-Arara, J.M. Njiru (2013).Seasonality in fish assemblage structure of a Mangrove Creek, Tudor, Kenya. African Journal of Marine Science, 35(2): 163–173