
EXTERNAL RE-ADVERTISEMENT

(Published on 2nd September, 2025)
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), a State Corporation under the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, was established by an Act of parliament (The Science and Technology Act Cap. 250 of the Laws of Kenya of 1979) which has since been repealed by The Science, Technology and Innovation Act No. 28 of 2013.
KMFRI's mandate is to undertake research in "marine and freshwater fisheries, aquaculture, environmental and ecological studies, and marine research including chemical and physical oceanography", in order to provide scientific data and information for sustainable development of the Blue Economy. The Institute is also mandated to cooperate with other organizations and institutions of higher learning in training programmes and on matters of relevant research.
The Institute has Research Centers and Stations located at Mombasa, Kisumu, Naivasha, Baringo, Kegati, Sangoro, Sagana, Turkana, Mutonga, Shimoni, a research substation at Gazi and the Nairobi liaison office.
KMFRI is seeking to recruit externally self-motivated professionals who are team players to fill the following vacant positions within her approved staff establishment:
1. EX/RA/KMF/1 Chief Research Scientist - KMFRI Grade 3 - (4 Posts)
A chief research scientist may be deployed in any of the following research areas: Oceans and Coastal Systems & Blue Economy, Freshwater Systems, Aquaculture and Socioeconomics research areas.
a. Job Specifications
The duties and responsibilities of the officer will entail: -
i) Ensuring the development of aquatic and allied natural resources, research and development policies;
ii) Ensuring the development and coordination of activities in specific research departments through participation in high profile international fora and publications;
iii) Ensure the identification and exploitation of opportunities for international profile and reputation of the institute;
iv) Preparing scientific manuscripts and book chapters for publication;
v) Reviewing and guiding scientific manuscripts and book chapters by research scientists for publication
vi) Ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of research and development activities;
vii) Ensuring the development of proposals for external resource mobilization for research and development;
viii) Mentoring, supervising and guiding scientists and technical staff within the department;
ix) Ensuring the preparation of the departmental quarterly and annual reports;
x) Appraising staff performance;
xi) Reviewing technical reports including refereed journal papers, book chapters, research notes, technical notes, conference papers and posters, dissemination flyers;
xii) Disseminating research findings in local and international fora that include seminar, workshops, congress;
xiii) Developing and coordinating the implementation of large multi-disciplinary national research programmes;
xiv) Ensuring budgeting and resource management of research programmes;
xv) Ensuring the implementation of the institutes and national marine and fisheries research policies;
xvi) Reviewing and guiding scientific publications and research grant applications;
xvii) Ensuring the identification of innovations and technologies for up-scaling; mentoring,
xviii) Guiding and supervising scientists
xix) Spearheads practical application of scientific research results in national development.
b. Persons Specification
For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have: -
i) At least ten (10) years relevant experience, three (3) of which must have been at the level of Principal Research Scientist or equivalent position in a research institution in the public or private sector;
ii) Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following; Mathematical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Social Sciences, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, aquatic, fisheries and other relevant disciplines from a recognized institution;
iii) Master’s Degree in any of the following; Marine or Fisheries Sciences, Biological or Physical Sciences, Sociology, Economics, Biometrics, Environmental Studies or equivalent from a recognized institution;
iv) Doctorate Degree in any of the following; Aquatic or Fisheries Sciences, Biological or Physical Sciences, Sociology, Economics, Biometrics, Environmental Studies; or equivalent from a recognized institution;
v) Demonstrated thorough understanding of the Aquatic Resources Sector;
vi) A minimum of twelve (12) peer reviewed publications in ISI-indexed journals / book chapters of which at least six (6) are as first author in the level of Principal research Scientist or its equivalent position;
vii) Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks, or equivalent, from a recognized institution;
viii) Evidence of engagement in community work or country contributions
ix) Evidence of development/research funds attraction as Co/Principal in a large project.
x) Membership of a professional body/ association where applicable,
xi) Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation and presentation skills;
xii) Demonstrated outstanding professional competence as reflected in work performance and exhibited thorough understanding of national goals, policies, objectives and ability to relate them to research and development function;
xiii) Proficiency in Computer skills; and
xiv) Meets the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution.
c. Key Competencies and Skills
i) Strong reporting skills;
ii) Strong analytical and numerical skills;
iii) Strong organization and inter personal skill;
iv) Strong negotiation skills;
v) Conflict management skills;
vi) Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and multi task; and
vii) Strong managerial skills and ability to lead teams.
d. Remuneration and Benefits
i) Basic Salary Scale: KShs. 192,034 – KShs. 249,644 P.M.;
ii) House Allowance: KShs. 60,000 P.M.
iii) Commuter Allowance: KShs. 21,000 P.M.
iv) Annual Leave Allowance: KShs.12,500 P.A.
v) Medical Cover and Other Allowances: As provided by KMFRI
vi) Terms of Service: Permanent and Pensionable.
2. EX/RA/KMF/2. Deputy Director, Laboratory Services - KMFRI Grade 3- (1 Post)
a. Job Specifications
Duties and responsibilities of the officer will entail;
i) Ensuring the implementation of the standard operating procedures in specialized laboratories;
ii) Ensuring validation and application of new analytical techniques and kits;
iii) Overseeing analytical work and analysis;
iv) Ensuring the Managing and safe disposal samples and specimen;
v) Ensuring the maintenance and preservation of specimens and cultures;
vi) Ensuring that the department has sufficient policies and procedures for recording and safe custody of experimental data;
vii) Ensuring that the laboratory has sufficient policies and procedures for management of reagents and consumables.
viii) Ensuring that the department has sufficient plans and procedures for the maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment; and
ix) Ensuring that good laboratory practices are implemented and operate effectively;
b. Person Specification
For appointment to this grade an officer must have at least:
i) A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant work experience, three (3) of which must be in the position of Assistant Director, Laboratory Services, or its equivalent in the public or private sector.
ii) Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a minimum grade of C Plus (C+) or equivalent
iii) Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following disciplines; Applied Biology, Food technology, Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or equivalent, from a recognized institution;
iv) Master’s Degree in any of the following; Applied Biology, Food technology, Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or equivalent, from a recognized institution.
v) Proficiency in computer applications;
vi) Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks, or equivalent, from a recognized institution; and
vii) Meets the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution.
c. Key Competencies and Skills
i) Analytical skills;
ii) Computer proficiency;
iii) Strong communication and reporting skills;
iv) Strong managerial skills and ability to lead teams;
v) Mentoring, coaching and leadership skills; and
vi) Interpersonal and negotiation skills.
d. Remuneration and Benefits
i) Basic Salary Scale: KShs. 192,034 – KShs. 249,644 P.M.;
ii) House Allowance: KShs. 60,000 P.M.
iii) Commuter Allowance: KShs. 21,000 P.M.
iv) Annual Leave Allowance: KShs.12,500 P.A.
v) Medical Cover and Other Allowances: As provided by KMFRI
vi) Terms of Service: Permanent and Pensionable.
3. EX/RA/KMF/3 Deputy Director Information Communication Technology - KMFRI Grade 3- (1 Post)
a. Job Specifications
Duties and responsibilities of the officer will entail:
i) Advising management on development, implementation, maintenance and monitoring of ICT strategies of the Institute;
ii) Development of strategies, policies and programs related to ICT
iii) Overseeing the systems analysis, design and programmer specifications in liaison with users;
iv) Ensuring adherence to established ICT policy and standards;
v) Ensuring overall systems documentation;
vi) Ensuring installation certification, repairs and maintenance of Information Communication Technology equipment, solutions and associated peripherals;
vii) Advising on Hardware/Software specifications for Information Communication Technology equipment;
viii) Administering and maintaining web-based systems and database server’s configuration;
ix) Overseeing the Institute’s network configurations and passwords;
x) Ensuring ICT Risk management and Business continuity;
xi) Advice on outsourced ICT services and service providers;
xii) Overseeing the maintenance of ICT systems security and Databases;
xiii) Ensuring compliance with implementation of ICT policies and procedures;
xiv) Ensures effective ICT Planning, Budgeting and Reporting;
xv) Ensuring development of ICT staff,
xvi) Developing agenda for the Board on ICT related issues.
b. Person Specifications
For appointment to this grade an officer must have at least:
i) At least ten (10) years’ relevant work experience, three (3) of which should be at the level of Assistant Director, ICT or a comparable position in the public or private sector;
ii) Master’s Degree in any of the following disciplines: - Information Technology, Computer Science, Business IT, Software Engineering, ICT Project Management, Computer Engineering or its equivalent qualification from a recognized Institution;
iii) Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following: Information Technology, Computer Science, Business IT, Software Engineering, ICT Project Management, Computer Engineering or their equivalent from a recognized Institution;
iv) Minimum KCSE C+ (plus) or its equivalent;
v) PRINCE2, PMP or equivalent Project Management Certification;
vi) At least one IT management certification CompTIA Project+, CAPM, CGEIT, CSM, CISSP, COBIT or other equivalent qualifications;
vii) At least one information Security certification CISM, CEH, CompTIA Security+, CISSP, GSEC or other equivalent qualifications;
viii) At least any two (2) certifications from relevant professional bodies in either CCNP, CDCP, CCNA Cloud, CCNA Industrial/IoT, CCNA, MCSE, MCSA, MCSD, N+, A+ OCA, CISSP, Linux+, Network+, Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), CISA, CISM, CGEIT or other equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution;
ix) CISA Membership or an equivalent IT professional body;
x) Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks, or equivalent, from a recognized institution.
xi) Demonstrated merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results; and
xii) Meets the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.
c. Key Competencies and skills
i) Analytical skills;
ii) Strong communication and reporting skills;
iii) Strong managerial skills and ability to lead teams;
iv) Mentoring, coaching and leadership skills; and
v) Interpersonal and negotiation skills.
d. Remuneration and Benefits
i) Basic Salary Scale: KShs. 192,034 – KShs. 249,644 P.M.;
ii) House Allowance: KShs. 60,000 P.M.
iii) Commuter Allowance: KShs. 21,000 P.M.
iv) Annual Leave Allowance: KShs.12,500 P.A.
v) Medical Cover and Other Allowances: As provided by KMFRI
vi) Terms of Service: Permanent and Pensionable.
4. EX/RA/KMF/4. Deputy Director, Business Development Services - KMFRI Grade 3 – (1 Post)
a. Job Specifications
Duties and responsibilities of the officer will entail:
i) Developing and coordinating preparation of work plans for the sales teams through structural design and implementation of the work plan document to ensure effective allocation responsibilities to staff and successful sales activities;
ii) Prepare quarterly reports on marketing & development activities to enable evaluation of progress and planning for future activities;
iii) Developing marketing and publicity concepts for products and services aimed at increasing public awareness of what the Institute offers;
iv) Managing interactive social media accounts through daily administration of the e-commerce website & social sites;
v) Ensuring quick response to customer issues and boosting communication with external clients;
vi) Developing and circulating Enterprise marketing tools through design, production and distribution of fliers, profiles and leaflets to clients and unit managers to increase the Institute’s customer base;
vii) Managing day to day general customer communiqué through receiving and addressing complaints, enquiries and feedback aimed at improving customer service aspects;
viii) Developing various Enterprise brands through design and production of branded packages for Institute’s products to enhance corporate image, build customer confidence, enhance product differentiation;
ix) Developing media features such as newspaper adverts on products and services for increased customer awareness and increased revenue generation;
x) Designing and developing advertising billboards for all revenue units to strengthen KMFRI’s customer base; and
xi) Managing outdoor sales activities through coordination and supervision of sales personnel towards increased revenues and better customer services.
b. Person specifications
For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have:-
i) At least ten (10) years’ relevant work experience, three (3) of which must have been in a management role in the public or private sector;
ii) Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship Development, Marketing, Business Management or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
iii) Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship Development, Marketing, Business Management or its equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
iv) Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks, or equivalent, from a recognized institution;
v) Computer Literacy; and
vi) Fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.
c. Key Competencies and skills
i) Planning skills;
ii) Communication and reporting skills; and
iii) Interpersonal and negotiation skills.
d. Remuneration and Benefits
i) Basic Salary Scale: KShs. 192,034 – KShs. 249,644 P.M.;
ii) House Allowance: KShs. 60,000 P.M.
iii) Commuter Allowance: KShs. 21,000 P.M.
iv) Annual Leave Allowance: KShs.12,500 P.A.
v) Medical Cover and Other Allowances: As provided by KMFRI
vi) Terms of Service: Permanent and Pensionable.
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APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Interested and qualified candidates MUST complete the KMFRI Job Application Form, attach their testimonials, copies of certificates, copy of their National Identification Card (ID) and Curriculum Vitae (CV). ALL soft copies application must be sent as one PDF document.
All applications must be submitted in both HARD and SOFT COPY, and envelopes containing the documents should clearly be marked with the position applied for and sent to the address below not later than Monday, 22nd September 2025.
The Chairman, Board of Management
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute,
P. O. Box 81651 – 80100,
Silos Road, English Point, Mkomani,
Mombasa, KENYA
Email: chairman@kmfri.go.ke
NOTE
1. SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES in compliance with the Chapter Six of the Constitution will be required to present originals of the following documents:
i) Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations
ii) Clearance/Compliance Certificate from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
iii) Tax Compliance Certificate from Kenya Revenue Authority
iv) Clearance from Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
v) Clearance from recognized Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)
2. Only SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES will be contacted and shall be required to produce originals of their National Identity Card, academic and professional certificates during the interviews.
3. SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES will be invited for an oral and practical interview.
4. Any canvassing will lead to AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION.
KMFRI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY, PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITY, WOMEN, YOUTH AND THOSE FROM MARGINALIZED AREAS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.