Research Scientist Limnology Department Water Resources & Harmful Algal Blooms Water Quality • Phytoplankton Ecology • HABs • Wetland Management Location Kisumu Years of Experience March 1997 to Date (29+ years at KMFRI) Research Interests Environmental conservation and natural resource management; Fisheries; Conservation of corals and mangroves; Marine and freshwater HABs; Phytoplankton ecology and taxonomy; Algal toxin and watershed management; Climate change; Environmental management tools and Wetland Management | Research Focus: Understanding the complex dynamics that lead to the proliferation of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in aquatic systems, with a special emphasis on nutrient loading, climate change, and land-use practices, and translating research into practical solutions for water resource management. Due to his vast experience of more than 29 years, Jared Babu Miruka has been able to implement several donor-funded projects related to water in Kenya and the region. As a water resources specialist, he has dedicated his career to addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing freshwater ecosystems, particularly in the area of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and water quality management. His research focuses on understanding the complex dynamics that lead to the proliferation of HABs in aquatic systems, with a special emphasis on nutrient loading, climate change, and land-use practices that influence these phenomena. He has been tasked to work in social economics to assess the livelihood of communities around Lake Victoria basin and Lake Turkana. He has worked collaboratively with diverse teams to develop innovative approaches for monitoring, managing, and mitigating the impacts of HABs on water resources. Out of these engagements, he has published several papers contributing to advancing knowledge and understanding in the water quality and HABs arena. He is deeply committed to ensuring that research translates into practical solutions for water resource management. He has actively engaged with local water authorities, policymakers, and environmental advocacy groups to promote sustainable practices that reduce nutrient pollution, enhance water quality, and protect aquatic ecosystems from the adverse effects of HABs. He looks forward to continuing his research in the HABs and water sector, striving to bridge the gap between science, policy, and community needs to safeguard water resources for future generations. Research & Administrative Responsibility
Academic Qualifications
Professional Membership
Selected Publications Moseti, M., Mabwoga, S., Jared, B., & Abila, R. (2025). Water Quality, Phytoplankton Composition, and Microcystins Concentrations in Water Pans in Narok Semi-Arid Landscape, Kenya. East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources, 8(2), 397-412. https://doi.org/10.37284/eaijenr.8.2.3484 Miruka, J. B., Getabu, A., Sitoki, L., James, O., Mwamburi, J., George, O., & Odoli, C. (2021). Water quality, phytoplankton composition and microcystin concentrations in Kisumu Bay (Kenya) of Lake Victoria after a prolonged water hyacinth infestation period. Lakes & Reservoirs: Research & Management, 26(4), e12380. Roegner, A. F., Corman, J. R., Sitoki, L. M., Kwna, Z. A., Ogari, Z., Miruka, J. B., ... & Miller, T. R. (2023). Impacts of algal blooms and microcystins in fish on small-scale fishers in Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria: implications for health and livelihood. Roegner, A., Sitoki, L., Weirich, C., Miruka J. .... Harmful Algal Blooms Threaten the Health of Peri-Urban Fisher Communities: A Case Study in Kisumu Bay, Lake Victoria, Kenya. Expo Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12403-019-00342-8 Babu, J. M., Sitoki L. M., Ogendi G. M., Getabu A. M., Boera P. N. Akunga G. N., Nyuandi J. K., Njiru J. M., Mwayuli G. A. & Oilio C. Effects of point source pollution on water quality, phytoplankton diversity and abundance in Lake Victoria, Kenya. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies 2(5): 57-64. Joseph Nyuandi, Albert Getabu, Job Mwamburi, James Onchieku, Zachary Kinaro, George Ogendi, Jared Babu and Nicholas Gichuru. Organochlorine Contaminants in Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus 1758) in Densely Populated Areas of South-Western Kenya. DOI:10.17265/2162-5263/2020.04.004 Githukia, C., Onyango, D., Lusweti, D., Ramkat, R., Kowenje, C., Miruka, J., Lung'ayia, H. and Orina, P. (2022). Analysis of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Communities in Lake Victoria, Kenya on Microcystin. Open Journal of Ecology, 12, 198-210. https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2022.123012 Amber, Sitoki, Lewis, Weirich, Chelsea, Corman, Jessica, Owage, Dickson, Umami, Moses, Odada, Ephraim; Miruka, Jared; Ogari, Zachary; Smith, Woutrina; Rejmankova, Eliska; and Miller, Todd R. (2020). Harmful Algal Blooms Threaten the Health of Peri-Urban Fisher Communities: A Case Study in Kisumu Bay, Lake Victoria, Kenya. Papers in Natural Resources. 1419. Mwamburi, J., Basweti, G., Owili, M., Babu, J., Wawiye, P. (2020). Spatio-temporal trends of nutrients and physico-chemical parameters on lake ecosystem and fisheries prior to onset of cage farming and reopening of the Mbita passage in the Nyanza Gulf of Lake Victoria. Lakes & Reservoirs: Science, Policy and Management for Sustainable Use, 25(3): 292-313. https://www.doi.org/10.1111/lre.12329 Nyuandi, J.K., Getabu, A.M., Kengara, F., Onchieku, J., Njiru, M., Kinaro, Z.O., Babu, J. M., Sitoki, L.M., Nyamweya, C., Osoro, E.M (2018). Assessment of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) contamination in relation to physico-chemical parameters in the Upper River Kuja Catchment, Kenya (East Africa). IJFAS, International Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Studies, Ref: (2018), Fish: 6-5-3711. Nyawundi J.K., Getabu A., Kengaraf F., Onchieku, J., Hilda N., Babu J.M., Kinaro Z.O., Nyakeya K., Aura C.M., Nyamweya, C (2018). Monitoring of organochlorine pesticides (OCP) residues in earthen fish ponds and their receiving waters in upstream ecosystems in the heavily populated areas of South Western Kenya. Paper accepted at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DKuT) International Conference, November, 2018. Ref: (STI04-BAS-007) Babu, J.M., Getabu A.M., Nyawundi K., Jembe D., Boera P., Sitoki L., Mwayuli G.A., Omodi R.O., Oilio C.O. Phytoplankton distribution and abundance in small water bodies of the Lake Victoria Basin of Kenya. International Journal of Applied Science and Technology, 2(6): 166-169. George, M., Getabu A.M., Onchieku J.M., Babu J.M. (2015). An assessment of some physical, chemical and biological characteristics of Nyanchwa-Riana River flowing through Kisii town in south West Kenya. International Journal of Applied Science and Technology 5(2): 68-79. Ogendi G.M., Getabu A.M., Onchieku J.M., Babu J.M. (2015). An assessment of Microbial load of Nyanchwa-Riana Rivers, Kisii, Kenya. 2(6): 182-192. Mwamburi J., Yongo, E., Aura, M.C., Babu, M.J., Basweti, M.G., Gichuru, N.N., Guya, F., Nyaboke, H., Nyamweya, C., Nyawundi, K.J., Odoli, C.O., Ogwai, A.C., Okechi, J., Ombwa, V., Omwega, R., Ongore, C., Owili, M., Owiti, H., Wawiye, I. P. Balancing community needs and resource protection: The case of Lake Kanyaboli, Kenya. Journal of Biodiversity and Endangered Species No. ENVIRONSCI-18-211R1 |
