
Dr. Paul S. Orina
Director General, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI)
Dr. Paul Sagwe Orina is the Director General of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) and is a distinguished freshwater aquaculture scientist with over 25 years of impactful experience in fisheries and aquaculture research. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Zoology, specializing in Animal Ecology, from the University of Eldoret, following a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Zoology from Moi University and a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton.
Dr Orina’s expertise shines in freshwater fish breeding and aquaculture systems, driven by his deep commitment to the domestication and conservation of indigenous fish species, sustainable aquaculture management, and the development of climate-smart aquaculture technologies. His leadership journey within KMFRI has seen him excel in key positions, including Assistant Director for Freshwater Aquaculture and Centre Director of the Kegati Aquaculture Research Centre.
Nationally, he chairs the Technologies Assessment Technical Team (TATT) under the Agriculture Sector Development Support Programme (ASDSP) and represents Kenya in the Technologies for African Agriculture Transformation (TAAT) program, a significant initiative by WorldFish and the AfDB. Dr. Orina has made remarkable contributions to fish breeding and aquaculture systems, leading Kenya’s National Tilapia Breeding Programme and driving the expansion of Nile tilapia and African catfish hatcheries, which grew from fewer than 30 to over 100 between 2010 and 2016.
As a Principal Investigator and collaborator, he has been involved in numerous national and international projects funded by esteemed organizations, including USAID, NRF, ASARECA, BBSRC (UK), WorldFish, and Conservation International. A dedicated mentor, Dr. Orina inspires future generations by supervising MSc and PhD students and teaching in the International MSc Programme in Limnology and Wetland Ecosystems, a collaborative effort between Egerton University (Kenya) and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (Austria) under the support of UNESCO-IHE DELFT.
- Research Networks: ResearchGate
- ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3408-1035
- LinkedIn: https://ke.linkedin.com › orina-paul-6a849122
- edu: https://ke.linkedin.com › paul-orina-190b4050
- Willey Online Library: https://doi.org/10.1111/lre.12202
Location: KMFRI Mombasa HQ
Email: porina@kmfri.go.ke / paulorina@gmail.com
PUBLICATIONS:
- Okechi, J. K., Peoples, N., Nyamweya, C. S., Orina, P. S., Cooperman, M. S., & Kaufman, L. (2025). Effects of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cage aquaculture on water quality in the world’s largest tropical lake. Journal of Great Lakes Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jglr.2025.102576
- Maranga, B. O., Omolo, K. M., Kagali, R. N., Orina, P. S., & Kyule, D. N. (2025). Fatty acid composition of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fed on black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) formulated diets. Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries, 5, e70078. https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70078:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
- Orina PS, Chepkirui, M., Orina, T., Olala M. & Oluwole FA (2024). A Review on Africa’s Agricultural Farming Systems and Potential for Transition. Herculean Res 2(1):43-50.
- Mosoti, R. D., Nyabaro, O., Getabu, A., Omondi, R., Orina, P., & Omondi, A. (2024). Phytoplankton diversity and heavy metal accumulation: A case of Suneka Wastewater Treatment Plant, Kenya. In Heavy Metals in the Environment. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.1006276
- Rayori, D. M., Nyabaro, O., Getabu, A., Omondi, R., & Orina, P. (2024). Evaluation of Suneka Wastewater Treatment Plant Based on the Efficiency of Coliform Bacteria Removal. Pan Africa Science Journal, 4(03).
- Opiyo, M.A., Mbogo, K., Orina, P. (2024). Potential of Freshwater Macrophytes for Aquafeed in Kenya. In: Gabriel, N.N., Abasubong, K.P., Erasmus, V.N., Kamble, M.T. (eds) Sustainable Feed Ingredients and Additives for Aquaculture Farming. Sustainability Sciences in Asia and Africa (29–42). Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-4279-0_2
- Achoki, J. K., Kaingu, C. K., Oduma, J.A., Orina, P. S., Ondiba, R.N., Nyabwanga, R.N. et al. (2024)Does duckweed (Lemna minor) feed inclusion play a role on growth, feed conversion ratio and reproductive performance (fertilization, hatchability and survivability rates) in omnivorous fish? Evidence in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus-Linnaeus, 1758). Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries, 4, e70000. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70000
- Orina, S., Chepkirui, M., Orina, T., Akwany, L., Joseph, R., Matuma, M., Kyule, D., Okechi, J., & Munguti, J. (2024). An overview of the current status of Lake Jipe and its biodiversity dilemma. Lakes & Reservoirs: Research & Management, 29, e12450. https://doi.org/10.1111/lre.12450
- Rasowo JO, Nyonje B, Olendi R, Orina P and Odongo S (2024) Towards environmental sustainability: further evidences from decarbonization projects in Kenya’s Blue Economy. Front. Mar. Sci. 11:1239862. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1239862
- Achoki J., Orina P., Kaingu C., Oduma J., Olale K., Chepkirui M. & Getabu A. (2024). Comparative Studyon Fatty Acids Composition of Lemna minor (Duckweed) Cultured in Indoor Plastic Tanks and Outdoor Earthen Ponds. Aquaculture Research ID 5563513. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/5563513
- Opiyo, M.A., Mbogo, K., Orina, P. (2024). Potential of Freshwater Macrophytes for Aquafeed in Kenya. In: Gabriel, N.N., Abasubong, K.P., Erasmus, V.N., Kamble, M.T. (eds) Sustainable Feed Ingredients and Additives for Aquaculture Farming. Sustainability Sciences in Asia and Africa (29–42). Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-4279-0_2
- Orina PS, Hinzano S, Kyule D, Jacob A, Githukia CM, et al. (2023). Aquaculture and its conservation potential of critically endangered Jipe Tilapia (Oreochromis jipe) in Lake Jipe. Ann Mar Sci 7(1): 045-050. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17352/ams.000038
- Orina P, Ikaya L. Abel R, Akwany L and Chepkirui M. (2023). Effects of different substrates on growth and survival ofLabeo victorianus fry towards its conservation along Mara Basin”. Open Journal of Ecology. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oje.2023.131004
- ChepkiruiM, Orina PS, Orina T, Githukia C, Ochingo J, et (2023). Review on the role of women along the aquaculture value chain in Kenya. Ann Mar Sci 7(1): 021-024. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17352/ams.000034
- Chepkirui, Orina S.P., Achoki J.K., Orina T., Kemunto V., Jemutai R., and Ochingo J. (2023). Indoor aquaculture potential of duckweed (Lemna minor) and the need for adoption in Kenya, International Journal of Aquaculture, 13(6): 1-7 (doi: 5376/ija.2023.13.0006)
- MungutiJM, Obiero KO, Iteba JO, Kirimi JG, Kyule DN, Orina PS, Githukia CM, Outa N, Ogello EO, Mboya JB, Ouko KO, Liti D, Yossa R and Tanga CM (2023). Role of multilateral development organizations, public and private investments in aquaculture subsector in Kenya. Front. Sustain.Food 7:1208918.doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2023.1208918
- Wainaina M., Opiyo M.A, Charo-Karisa H, Orina P, Nyonje B. (2023). On-Farm Assessment of Different Fingerling Sizes of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) on Growth Performance, Survival and Yield. Aquaculture Studies, 23(2), AQUAST900. http://doi.org/10.4194/AQUAST900
- Opiyo M, Mbogo K, Obiero K, Orina P. and Muendo P. (2023). Nutritional Composition of Duckweed (Lemna minor) Cultured with Inorganic Fertilizer and Organic Manure in Earthen Ponds. LimnoFish. 9(3): 123-129 doi: 10.17216/LimnoFish.1152512.
- Maranga B.,Kagali , Omolo K, Orina P, Munguti J and Ogello E. (2023). Growth Performance of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fed On Diets Containing Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens) Larvae Under Aquaponic System. Aquaculture Studies, 23(5), AQUAST910. http://doi.org/10.4194/AQUAST910
- Wafula A.E, Gichana Z, Onchieku J, Chepkirui M and Orina SP (2023). Opportunities and Challengesof Alternative Local Biofilter Media in Recirculating Aquaculture Journal of Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems
- MarangaBO, Kagali RN, Omolo KM and Sagwe PO (2022). Effect of growth substrates on water quality, catfish (Clarias gariepinus) culture and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) propagation under aquaponic system. Livestock Research for Rural Development 34 (9) 2022.
- Githukia, C., Onyango, D., Lusweti, D., Ramkat, R., Kowenje, C., Miruka, J., Lung’ayia, H. and Orina, P. (2022) An Analysis of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Communities in Lake Victoria, Kenya on Microcystin Toxicity. Open Journal of Ecology, 12, 198-210. https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2022.123012.
- ChepkiruiM, Orina PS, Opiyo M, Muendo P, Mbogo K, et (2022) Growth performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings fed with water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) diets. Ann Mar Sci 6(1): 001-006. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17352/ams.000026
- Opiyo MA, Muendo P, Mbogo K, Ngugi CC, Charo-Karisa H, Orina P, Leschen W, GlencrossBD and Tocher (2022). Inclusion of duckweed (Lemna minor) in the diet improves flesh omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid profiles but not the growth of farmed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Animal Feed Science and Technology 292 (2022) 115442.
- AdekolaO, Gatonye M and Orina (2022). Status and Outlook for Climate Resilient Aquaculture in Kenya: Stakeholders Perspectives, Case Studies in the Environment 6 (1): 1544759. https://doi.org/10.1525/cse.2022.1544759
- Douglas R, Albert G, Reuben O, Paul O, Hellen , Boniface G, Obed N, Omondi A. and Job O. (2022).Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations (Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn) in Wastewater from Gusii Treatment Plant in Kisii County, Pan Africa Science Journal, 1(02), 122–138. https://doi.org/10.47787/pasj.v1i02.12
- Omweno JO, Getabu A, Omondi R and Orina P. (2022). Water Quality Effects on Growth and Survival of Oreochromis jipe and Oreochromis niloticus Species in Aquaculture. IntechOpen. DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.106361
- Rayori D, Getabu A, Omondi R, Orina P, Gisacho B and Omondi A. (2021). Phytoplankton diversityin Gusii wastewater treatment plant in Kisii County, Journal Fisheries and Aquatic Studies 2021; 9(3):299-306. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/fish.2021.v9.i3d.2505
- Chepkirui M., Orina P., Opiyo M., Muendo P., Mbogo K. and Omondi R (2021). Fatty acids compositionof Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings fed diets containing different levels of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica). Journal of Agriculture and Food 5 (2021) 100156.
- Orina, Ogello E., Kembenya E., Muthoni C., Musa S., Ombwa V., Mwainge V., Abwao J., Ondiba R., Kengere J., and Karoza S (2021). The state of cage culture in Lake Victoria: A focus on sustainability, rural economic empowerment, and food security. Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management, 24(1): 56–63, 2021. https://doi.org/10.14321/aehm.024.01.09
- Omweno JO, Getabua A, Orina PS, Omasaki SK. and Obwoge WZ (2021). Relative importance of waterquality parameters on fish growth using PLS Journal of Applied Structural Equation Modeling: 5(1),1-8, Jan 2021 DOI: 10.47263/JASEM.5(1)01.
- Mbugua, Muritu R., Orina P., Mziri V., Mugo J., Mwangata R., Obwanga B., Were E. and Lewo
- (2020). Aquaculture Handbook. A Practical Guide to Aquaculture Value Chain in Kenya.
- Orina PS., Onyango DM., Lungayia H., Oduor A., Sifuna A. W., Otuya P., Owigar A.R., Kowenje CB., and Hinzano SM (2020). Water Quality of Selected Fishing Beaches of Lake Victoria Kenyan Gulf. Open Journal of Ecology, 10, 22-35.https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2020.101002.
- Rasowoa JO, Orina P, Nyonje B, Awuor S and Olendie R. (2020).Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy: prospects and challenges. Journal of The Indian Ocean Region https://doi.org/10.1080/19480881.2020.1825199
- OmwenoJO, Orina PS, Getabu A and Outa (2020). Growth and aquaculture potential of Tilapia jipe, Oreochromis jipe and Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies 2020; 8(3): 395-399.
- Onyango DM., Orina PS., Ramkat RC., Kowenje C., Githukia CM., Lusweti D and Lungaiya HBO (2019).Review of the current state of knowledge and the impact of microcystin in fish in Lake Victoria. Lakes & Reservoirs: 2020;00:1–12. https://doi.org/10.1111/lre.12328
- Orina PS., Ogello E., Kembenya E., Githukia C., Musa S., Ombwa V., Mwainge VM., Abwao J., OndibaRN and Okechi JK (2018). State of Cage Culture in Lake Victoria, Laxpress Services, Nairobi, Kenya. 62 p. ISBN: 978-9966-114-79-2.
- Orina PS., Charo-Karisa H, Munguti JM, Boera P., Abwao J., Kyule D., Opiyo MA., Marcial, Manyala J and Rasowo JO (2018). A comparative study of Labeo victorianus (Bouelenger, 1901) and Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)
grown in polyculture systems. Lakes & Reservoirs Research & Management 2018; 00:1–7. https://doi.org/10.1111/lre.12202 - Nyonje BM, Opiyo M A., Orina PS., Abwao J., Wainaina M and Charo-Karisa H (2018). Current statusof freshwater fish hatcheries, broodstock management and fingerling production in the Kenya aquaculture sector. Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volume 30, Article #6.http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd30/1/mary30006.html
- Ogada, Orina PS and Ogendi GO (2018). Effect of stocking density and diet on the performance of Jipe tilapia (Oreochromis jipe) cultured in hapas at Sagana, Kenya. International Journal of Advanced Research. 6(10): 296-308. DOI: 10.21474/IJAR01/7811
- Munguti, Obiero KO., Orina PS., Musa S., Mwaluma J., Mirera D., Ochiewo J., Kairo J. and Njiru JM. (Eds.) (2017). The State of Aquaculture in Kenya. Laxpress Services, Nairobi, Kenya. 133. ISBN: 978-9966-109-82-8.
- Opiyo MA., Charo-Karisa H., Nyonje B., Omollo B., Orina PS., Wainaina P., Obiro K and Munguti JM (2017). Good Aqauculture Practises for Seed Production in Kenya. Vol 1. 50 ISBN: 978-9966- 100-07-8.
- Kyule_Muendo D., Munguti JM., Opiyo MA., Obiero KO., Githukia CM., Orina PS., Njiru JM and Charo-Karisa H (2017). Fish Recipe Book. 45 p. ISBN: 978-9966-103-63-6.
- Opiyo MA., Orina PS and Charo-Karisa H (2017). Fecundity, growth parameters and survival rate of three African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) strains under hatchery conditions. Journal of Aquaculture Engineering and Fisheries Research E-ISSN 2149-0236, DOI:3153/JAEFR170.
- Nyachae M., Muya SM., Ogila K and Orina PS (2017). Effect of stocking density and diet on growth and survival of Labeo victorianus fish. International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research. 3(1): 2225-2241.
- Kwikiriza G., Tibihika PD., Barekye A., Beingana A and Orina PS (2016). Performance of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Clarridae) fry fed on live rotifers (Brachionus calyciflorus), formulated diet and a mixture of rotifers and formulated diet. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 4(6): 11-15
- Nyonje BM., Opiyo MA., Orina PS., Abwao J., Wainaina M. and Charo-Karisa, H (2016).Status of Hatcheries, Broodstock and Fingerling Production in Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa.
- Maranga, Liti D., Matola G., Orina P (2016). Evaluation of the efficiency of wastewater stabilization system using macro- Invertebrates community and pollution tolerance index. International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies. Vol 3 Issue9.
- Orina PS., Rasowo J., Oyoo-Okoth E., Musa S., Munguti JM and Charo-Karisa H (2016). Combined effectsof photoperiod and temperature on growth and survival of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822) larvae under laboratory conditions, Journal of Applied Aquaculture, 28:1, 17-25, DOI: 1080/10454438.2015.1113763.
- OpiyoMA, Orina P, Kyule D, Munguti J, Nyonje BA and Charo-Karisa H (2016). Growth performance and survival of three strains of African catfish (clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1882) reared in hapas in Kenya. Bull. Anim. Hlth. Prod. Afr., Fish (2016), 31 – 39.
- KyuleD, Opiyo MA, Ogello E, Obiero K, Maranga B, Orina P, Charo-Karisa H and Munguti J (2016). Determination of fish value added product- preferences among the residents of Wote town, Makueni County, Kenya. Bull. Anim. Hlth. Prod. Afr., Fish (2016), 69 – 78.
- Ngugi, Oyoo-Okoth E., Mugo-Bundi J., Orina PS., Chemoiwa EJ and Aloo PA (2015). Effects of dietary administration of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on the growth performance, biochemical, hematological, and immunological parameters in juvenile and adult Victoria Labeo (Labeo victorianus) challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Fish Shellfish Immunology. 2015 Jun; 44(2):533-41. doi: 1016/j.fsi.2015.03.025. Epub 2015 Mar 28.
- Opiyo MA., Orina PS., Kyule D., Munguti, JM., Nyonje BM and Charo-Karisa H. (2015). Growth performance and survival of three African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1882) strains reared in hapas in Kenya. Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in
- Musa, Orina PS, Aura CM., Kundu R., Ogello EO., Munguti JM (2014). The effects of dietary Levels of protein and greenhouse on growth, behaviour and fecundity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus ) broodstock. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online). 2319-7064.
- Orina, Rasowo J., Gichana E., Maranga B and Charo-Karisa H (2014). Artificial breeding protocol and optimal breeding environment for Labeo victorianus (Boulenger, 1901). International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies. 1(6): 138-143.
- Orina PS., Rasowo JO., Opiyo MA., Boera P., Abwao J and Charo-Karisa H (2014). Optimization of seed and brood stock transport densities for improved survival of African carp (Labeo victorianus, Boulenger, 1901). International Journal of Chemical Studies. ISSN: 2321- 4902, Volume 2 Issue
- Abwao JO., Boera PN., Munguti JM., Orina PS and Ogello EO. (2014). The potential of periphyton based aquaculture for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus ) production. A review. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies. 2(1): 147-152.
- Orina PS., Maina J., Wangia S., Karuri E., Mbuthia P., Omolo B., Osure OG., Musa S and Munguti JM(2014). Situational analysis of Nile tilapia and African catfish hatcheries management: A case study of Kisii and Kirinyaga Counties in Livestock Research for Rural Development. Volume 26 (5).
- Maina JG., Mbuthia PG., Ngugi J., Omolo B., Orina, PS., Wangia SM., Karuri EG., Maitho T and Owiti GO (2014). Influence of Socio-economic factors, gender and fish farming enterprise and productivity project on fish farming practices in Kenya. Livestock Research for Rural Development Volume. 26 (2).
- Orina PS., Opiyo MA and Charo-Karisa, H. (2013). Optimization of seed and broodstock transport densitiesfor improved survival of cultured Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, L 1758). International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies. 2014; 1(5): 157-161.
- Musa, Aura CM, Owiti G., Nyonje B., Orina PS and Charo-Karisa H (2012). Fish farming enterprise productivity program (FFEPP) as an impetus to Oreochromis niloticus (L.) farming in Western Kenya: Lessons to learn. African Journal of Agricultural Research. Vol. 7(8), pp. 1324- 1330.
- Charo-Karisa, Munguti JM., Ouma H., Masai MD., Opiyo M., Orina PS and Okechi J(2011). A fish farmer’s manual for beginners, students, and hatchery managers.
- Oyoo-Okoth, Mucai M., Ngugi CC., Njenga EW., Ngure V, Orina PS., Chemoiwa EC and Wanjohi BK (2011). Zooplankton partitioning in a tropical alkaline-saline endorheic Lake Nakuru, Kenya: Spatial and temporal trends in relations to the environment. Lakes & Reservoirs: Research and Management 16:1-13.
- Charo-Karisa H., Orina PS., Opiyo MA., Munguti JM and Nyonje B (2010). Teaching Curriculum Development for Hatchery Managers and Fish Farmers in
- Oyoo-Okoth, Wim A., Osano O., Kraak HS., Ngure V., Makwali J and Orina PS (2010). Use of the fish endoparasite Ligula intestinalis (L., 1758) in an intermediate cyprinid host (Rastreneobola argentea) for biomonitoring heavy metal contamination in Lake Victoria, Kenya. Lakes & Reservoirs: Research and Management 15: 63–73.
CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
- Charo-Karisa H., Opiyo MA., Obiero K., Yongo E., Orina PS., Munguti JM (2013). Optimizing aquaculture productivity through enhanced seed, feed and appropriate technology development in Kenya. Conference proceeding at the 2nd ASARECA General Assembly and Scientific Conference, 9th –13th December 2013, Bujumbura
- Mwangi JM., Maina JG., Gachuiri CK and Orina PS (2016). Growth response of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) to different protein levels in a semi- intensive production system. Conference
- Yongo E., Opiyo MA., Munguti JM., Kyule D., Orina PS., Obiero K and Charo-Karisa H (2013). Mobilizing the aquaculture sector for economic and sustainable growth: Case study of Vihiga, Kirinyaga and Kilifi Counties in the republic of Kenya. ASARECA Conference
- Wainaina M., Opiyo MA., Orina PS and Charo-Karisa H (2013). Growth performance of different sizes at stocking of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus ) fingerlings cultured in semi- intensive ponds. ASARECA Conference Proceeding.
- Orina PS., Mirera D and Charo-Karisa H (2012). Culture Systems in Kenya. An Overview. ARK I Conference
- Kembenya EM., Orina PS, Okechi J., Githukia C., Boera P and Munguti JM (2018). Diplostomatid parasite affecting cultured Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus ) from Kisii, Kenya. Jsps Core-To-Core Program - Asia-Africa Science Platforms Joint Seminar Imperial Hotel, Kisumu, Kenya 21 March 2016 Conference Proceeding.