Assistant Research Scientist Oceanography & Hydrography Marine Pollution & Biochemistry Microplastics • Heavy Metals • Environmental Risk Assessment Email: jrutto@kmfri.go.ke Years of Experience 2024-Present (2 years at KMFRI) Research Interests Marine pollution monitoring; Marine biochemistry; Microplastics research; Emerging contaminants; Environmental risk assessment; Water quality assessment; Oceanography and hydrography; Sustainable blue economy development | Research Focus: Understanding the occurrence, distribution, and impacts of microplastics, heavy metals, and other pollutants in marine environments and their implications for ecosystem health and the blue economy. Justine Kibet Rutto is an Assistant Research Scientist in the Oceanography and Hydrography Department at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Kabianga and has professional experience in marine and environmental research, aquatic ecosystem assessment, and environmental monitoring. His research focuses on marine pollution monitoring, contaminants of emerging concern, environmental risk assessment, and sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems. He is particularly interested in understanding the occurrence, distribution, and impacts of microplastics, heavy metals, and other pollutants in marine environments and their implications for ecosystem health and the blue economy. At KMFRI, Justine contributes to scientific research, field and laboratory investigations, environmental assessments, proposal development, technical reporting, and stakeholder engagement activities. He has received specialized training in ocean data management, ocean literacy, ocean best practices, bioinformatics, and environmental monitoring. He actively participates in national and regional initiatives aimed at promoting evidence-based marine resource management and sustainable ocean governance. Justine is committed to bridging science, policy, and practice through research that supports marine conservation, environmental sustainability, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water). His work seeks to generate knowledge that informs policy decisions and strengthens the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources in Kenya and the Western Indian Ocean region. Research & Administrative Responsibility - ▹ Conduct scientific research on marine and aquatic ecosystems
- ▹ Participate in marine pollution monitoring and environmental assessment programmes
- ▹ Undertake field sampling, laboratory analysis, data processing, and scientific reporting
- ▹ Contribute to proposal writing, project implementation, and technical documentation
- ▹ Support stakeholder engagement and dissemination of research findings
- ▹ Mentor students, interns, and early-career researchers
- ▹ Serve as a member of the KMFRI Disability Mainstreaming Committee
Research Interest / Areas of Expertise - ▹ Marine Pollution Monitoring
- ▹ Marine Biochemistry
- ▹ Microplastics Research
- ▹ Emerging Contaminants
- ▹ Environmental Risk Assessment
- ▹ Water Quality Assessment
- ▹ Oceanography and Hydrography
- ▹ Sustainable Blue Economy Development
Academic Qualifications - ▹ Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry) – University of Kabianga, Kenya (2018) – Second Class Honours, Upper Division
- ▹ Computer Studies Certificate – Kapsowar Visionary College (2014) – Distinction
Professional Membership - ▹ Member – Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), since 2024
- ▹ Affiliate Member – Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), since 2024
Professional Services - ▹ Active Review Member – Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR), since January 2025
- ▹ Contributor to marine environmental monitoring and assessment activities
- ▹ Mentor for students and interns in marine and environmental sciences
Awards and Honours Publication: Research on heavy metal contamination in Mombasa coastal waters and sediments published in Kenya Aquatica Journal (2026) International Training: Participant in several international scientific training programmes on ocean science, bioinformatics, and environmental monitoring Selected Publications Rutto, J.K. (2026). Heavy Metal Contamination in Mombasa's Coastal Waters and Sediments: A Systematic Review of Sources, Distribution, Ecological Risks, and Management Implications (2015-2024). Kenya Aquatica Journal. Links |
