Senior Research Scientist Aquaculture Genetics & Breeding Fish Genetics & Selective Breeding Broodstock Management • Fish Seed Production • Sustainable Aquaculture Location Sagana Research Centre Years of Experience Since 2009 (17 years at KMFRI) Research Interests Aquaculture Genetics and Genomic Improvement; Broodstock Management and Fish Seed Production; Aquaculture Biosecurity and Fish Health Management; Genetic Conservation and Management of Aquatic Genetic Resources; Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Aquaculture Systems; Hatchery Management and Aquaculture Production Systems; Aquaculture Research, Innovation, and Technology Transfer | Research Focus: Leading research on fish breeding and genetic improvement to enhance aquaculture productivity and sustainability in Kenya, with emphasis on genetic diversity and population structure of Nile tilapia for aquaculture optimization and conservation. Dr. Jacob Abwao is a Senior Research Scientist at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Sagana Research Centre, where he leads research on fish breeding and genetic improvement to enhance aquaculture productivity and sustainability in Kenya. He has defended a PhD in Animal Genetics and Breeding at the University of Nairobi, focusing on the genetic diversity and population structure of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) for aquaculture optimization and conservation. He holds a Master's degree in Aquaculture from the University of Eldoret and a Bachelor's degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from Moi University. His research interests include fish genetics and selective breeding, aquaculture biosecurity, fish health, broodstock management, genetic conservation, aquafeed development, and sustainable aquaculture systems. Dr. Abwao has led and contributed to numerous national and international research initiatives on genetic improvement of Nile tilapia and African catfish, domestication of indigenous fish species, molecular genetic characterization of fish populations, and climate-smart aquaculture technologies. He currently serves as the Principal Investigator for the national selective breeding programme for Nile tilapia and African catfish, as well as the Climate-Resilient Aquaculture Systems for Africa (CASA) project in Kenya. He collaborates with regional and international research institutions to advance aquaculture genetics, selective breeding, fish health, and sustainable aquaculture development across Africa. Dr. Abwao has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications, technical reports, and training manuals that have advanced knowledge in fish genetics, hatchery management, aquaculture production systems, and fisheries development. Beyond research, he actively contributes to policy development, hatchery certification, capacity building, and technology transfer through farmer training, scientific advisory roles, and professional collaborations. His work supports the development of resilient, genetically improved aquaculture systems that contribute to food security, sustainable livelihoods, and the blue economy in Kenya and the wider East African region. Research & Administrative Responsibility
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Selected Publications Abwao, J., Jung'a, J. O., Barasa, J. E., & Sigana, D. A. (2025). Genetic diversity and population structure of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) from selected lakes and hatcheries in Kenya. Aquaculture Research, 2025 (1). https://doi.org/10.1155/are/9968186 Kwikiriza, G., Muthoka, M., Omara, T., Abaho, I., Tibihika, P. D., Curto, M., Opiyo, M. A., Munguti, J., Abwao, J., Orina, P., & Meimberg, H. (2025). Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) cage aquaculture in Africa: Potential threats to congeneric fish species and advances to detect escapes. Aquaculture, Fish & Fisheries, 5(4). https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70090 Abwao, J., Kyule, D., Junga, J. O., Barasa, J. E., & Sigana, D. A. (2023). On-farm growth performance of different strains of tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, reared in earthen ponds. Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries. https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.114 Abwao, J., Jung'a, J., Barasa, J. E., Kyule, D., Opiyo, M., Awuor, J. F., Ogello, E., Munguti, J. M., & Keya, G. A. (2021). Selective breeding of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus: A strategy for increased genetic diversity and sustainable development of aquaculture in Kenya. Journal of Applied Aquaculture. https://doi.org/10.1080/10454438.2021.1958728 Abwao, J., Opiyo, M. A., Kyule, D., Kendi, J., Mungai, D., & Ojuok, T. M. (2023). Feasibility of hydropower reservoirs for fish cage Aquaculture: A strategy for fish farming in drought risk areas in Kenya. Marine and Life Sciences, 5(1), 16-25. https://doi.org/10.51756/marlife.1221254 Munguti, J., Nairuti, R., Iteba, J. O., Obiero, K. O., Kyule, D., Opiyo, M. A., Abwao, J., Kirimi, J. G., Outa, N., Muthoka, M., Githukia, C. M., & Ogello, E. (2022). Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) culture in Kenya: Emerging production technologies and socio-economic impacts on local livelihoods. Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries. https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.58 Abwao, J., Musa, S., Ondiba, R., & Ogari, Z. (2021). Socioeconomic dynamics and characterization of land-based aquaculture in Western Kenya. Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management, 24(1), 64-72. Links |
