Dr. Esther Wairimu is a Research Scientist at Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI). She has been working under marine aquaculture research division with an experience of more than 8 years. Her research interest covers; culture systems with specific interests in Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture, fish nutrition, selective breeding, brood stock management, seed production, ornamental fish culture and population genetic studies on fish.

She is involved in on farm training of fish farmers and coastal community groups for technology transfer.

She has been involved in collaborative projects in the region and has been a project investigator of three donor funded projects one from Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) investigating on fish nutrition for marine cultured fish and two from The National Research Fund (NRF) a research fund on seaweed farming methods and an innovation grant on seaweed value addition.

She is currently a co-investigator in two projects, The first is on undertaking research in validating and promoting Improved Fish Strains and Health Management Practices for Climate Smart Aquaculture in Western Kenya under the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP) funding, 2020 -2022.

The second is by the Western Indian Ocean Marine Association (WIOMSA) MASMA programme to undertake a research on Blue Growth Initiative through Farming of Silver Pompano (Trachinotus Blochii) and Rabbit Fish (Siganus Sutor) for Food Security and Improved Livelihood in East Africa (BLUEGRASI), November 2020 - December 2022.

Esther has published 12 papers in peer reviewed journals, developed technical reports, policy briefs, and participated in regional and local seminars, workshops, conferences, and open days.

Research Networks : Research Gate

• Magondu, E. W., Fulanda, B. M., Munguti, J. M., Mlewa, C. M. (2022). Productivity in marine shrimp ponds using integrated multitrophic aquaculture technology. E.Afri. Agri. For.Journal. Volume 85, 1-4 Pg. 220-232.
• Magondu, E. W., Fulanda, B. M., Munguti, J. M., Mlewa, C. M. (2021). Toward integration of sea cucumber and cockles with culture of shrimps in earthen ponds in Kenya. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.12861
• Holeh GM, Magondu EW, Njiru JM, Tsuma S, Salim A, Muriuki AM, Fulanda A, Kilonzo J, Ochola O, Ndirangu S, Zamu MS, Athoni G, Luyesi J. 2020. Social Economic Survey and Feasibility Study to Initiate Cage Fish Farming in Kenyan Coastal Creeks. J Aquac Res Development, Vol. 11 Iss. 11 No: 617.
• David O. Mirera, Alex Kimathi, Morine M, Ngarari, Esther W. Magondu, Miriam Wainaina, Agwata Ototo. 2020. Societal and Environmental Impacts of Seaweed Farming in Relation to Rural Development: The Case of Kibuyuni Village, South Coast Kenya. Ocean and Coastal Management 194, 105253
• Nyamora J. M., Nyakeya K., Magondu, E.W., Mwihaki, G.and Muya,J (2018). Long Line Seaweed Farming as an alternative to other Commonly used Methods in Kenyan Coast, KMFRI, Kenya Aquatica Journal Vol 4 (1): 23-28.
• Nyakeya, K., Raburu, P.O., Odipo, O., Masese, F.O., Tsuma, J., Nyamora, J.M.,  Magondu, E.W., Gichana, Z.M.,  Ondiba, R.N., Jepkosgei, M. and Kemunto D.  (2017). A comparative study on emergence and abnormalities of the Chironomus species as bioindicators of riverine ecosystems in the Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya, African Journal of Tropical Hydrobiology and fisheries 2 (2): 126-133 .
• Magondu, E. W., Mokaya, N.M., Ototo. A., Kobingi, N., Nyamora, J. 2016 Growth performance of milkfish (Chanos chanos Forsskal) fed on formulated and non-formulated diets made from locally available ingredients in Kenya, South coast region. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies; 4(1): 288-293
• Magondu, E.W., Verdegem, M.C.J., Nyamora, J. Kobingi, N. 2016 Proximate composition, nutritional properties and attractiveness of Aerobic, Anaerobic and Anoxic bioflocs as a fish feed. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies; 4(1): 280-287
• Magondu, E. W., Verdegem, M.C.J., Kobingi, N., Mokaya, N.M. 2015. Production of aerobic and anoxic bioflocs from Tilapia sludge. International journal of fisheries and aquatic studies 2(5): 347-352
• Magondu, E.W., Charo-Karisa, H., Verdegem, M.C.J., Kobingi, N. 2015. Enhancing productivity of Labeo victorianus ponds using maize flour as a carbohydrate source . Aquaculture Nutrition 21, 942-951.
• Magondu, E.W., Charo-Karisa, H., Verdegem, M.C.J. 2013. Effect of C/N ratio levels and stocking density of Labeo victorianus on pond environmental quality using maize flour as a carbon source. Aquaculture, 410-411: 157-163
• Magondu, E.W., Rasowo, J., Oyoo-Okoth, E., Charo-Karisa, H. 2011.  Evaluation of sodium chloride (NaCl) for potential prophylactic treatment and its short-term toxicity to African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) yolk-sac and swim-up fry. Aquaculture, 319 (1-2), pg. 307-310.

Published book chapters

Fish disease management and biosecurity systems, 2021. Mary Opiyo, Venny Mziri, Safina Musa, Domitila Kyule, Sheban Hinzano, Miriam Wainaina, Esther Magondu, Kenneth Werimo, and Veronica Ombwa ( Chapter 7) in Munguti J., Obiero K, Orina P, Mirera D., Kyule D., Mwaluma J., Opiyo M., Musa S., Ochiewo J. Njiru. J, Ogello E. & Hagiwara A (Eds) (2021). State of Aquaculture Report in Kenya 2021: Towards Nutrition Sensitive Fish Food Systems. Techplus Media House Nairobi 190 p

MEMBERSHIP TO PROFESSIONAL BODIES

• Member Western Indian Ocean Marine Sciences Association (WIOMSA)
• Member of Sustainable Aquaculture Research Networks in Sub Saharan Africa (SARNISSA)
• Member of Wageningen University of Life Sciences, The Netherlands Alumni
• Member of East African Forum For Payment of Ecosystem Services (EAFPES)
• Member of Research Network for Sustainable Marine Aquaculture in Africa (AfriMAQUA)