Hon. John Safari Mumba was appointed Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) Board of Management Chairman by His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta via gazette notice dated 21^st September, 2018 for a period of three years. After successfuly completing his first term, the contract was renewed in September, 2021 for a further three years.

Hon. Mumba served as Provincial Director of Fisheries in the Coast Region, a position he held from 1975 to 1982. During this tenure, Hon. Mumba initiated the development of the first Marine Prawn Farming Project in Africa at Ngomeni near Malindi through World Bank funding, and also oversaw the establishment of the Kenya Fishing Industries Ltd which focused on deep-sea fishing. The company was co-owned by the Kenya Government through Industrial Commercial Development Corporation (ICDC)/World Bank funding. 

Hon. Mumba holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (Zoo/Bot) from Makerere University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Business Administration at Kenya Methodist University. The highly seasoned Manager has various professional qualifications starting with Post-graduate diploma in Education from the University of Nairobi; Fisheries Management from Grimsby College of Technology, UK; and Management of Public Enterprises from the Harvard University (HIID), USA. 

The experienced professional rose to become the Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Cashewnuts Ltd from 1982 to 1987, which saw the Parastatal post profits throughout his six-year tenure. His exemplary performance at the company ensured growth of the Cashewnuts Industry by offering farmers expert advice and improved prices for their produce. 

Other positions held in the public service and private sector include: Director, Kenya Bixa Limited; Director, ICDC; Director, Tototo Home Industries; Board Member, Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) Kenya; and Chairman, Cashewnut Industry Revitalization Task Force.

Hon. Mumba has also served as Bahari MP from 1992 to 1997.