ABOUT KMFRI MARINE WATER LABORATORIES & SERVICES
KMFRI Laboratories are a national center of excellence providing scientific testing, research and analytical services that support Kenya’s Blue Economy. Through a network of specialized laboratories across the country, KMFRI generates reliable data and evidence that underpin sustainable fisheries, aquaculture development, environmental stewardship, food safety, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. Our services support government agencies, industry, researchers, development partners and communities in making informed decisions for the sustainable management and utilization of aquatic resources.
The KMFRI Main Laboratory in Mombasa is NEMA-approved, ISO 9001:2015 certified and is in the process of being ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited, reflecting our commitment to technical competence, quality assurance and internationally recognized laboratory standards. Together with our specialized laboratories nationwide, we deliver trusted scientific solutions that drive innovation, resource sustainability and economic growth within Kenya's Blue Economy.
Providing world-class laboratory services supporting fisheries, aquaculture, environmental management, food safety, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
Research Areas
Physical Oceanography
Measurement and modelling of ocean currents, temperature, salinity, and sea-level variability along Kenya's coastline and continental shelf.
Coastal Ecology
Biodiversity assessments of coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and sandy shores with focus on ecosystem health indicators.
Water Quality Analysis
Chemical and biological analysis of seawater samples for nutrient concentrations, pollutants, microplastics, and harmful algal blooms.
Remote Sensing
Ground-truthing of satellite chlorophyll, turbidity, and SST products for fisheries and habitat mapping applications.
Key Equipment & Instruments
- SBE CTD rosette profiler
- Niskin water samplers
- Current meters & tide gauges
- Optical backscatter sensors
- UV-Vis spectrophotometers
- Plankton nets & nets (10-200 µm)
- Fluorometers (chlorophyll-a)
- Nutrient auto-analysers
- GIS workstations (ArcGIS, QGIS)
- Drone (UAV) for coastal surveys
- Multibeam echo-sounder
- ERDAS & SNAP image processors
