Kisii University | 
Prof. James M. Njiru
Lecturer
Prof. James M. Njiru Bio
Professor of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
School of Agriculture and Natural Resource Management
Department of Natural Resource Management
Biography: Professor James Njiru is a renowned fisheries scientist and academic leader with extensive expertise in aquatic ecology, biology, fisheries management, and environmental conservation. He holds key roles in professional societies, such as Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), East Africa Water Association (EAWA) and Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management Society (AEHMS) contributing significantly to research and policy formulation in sustainable fisheries.
Prof Njiru was the CEO/Director General of Kenya Marine and Fisheries Institute between 2016 to 2024 where he revived a morbid research institution to a vibrant center of excellent in East Africa Region. He improved infrastructure by building 3 new research stations, procured 19 motor vehicles and three new boats, increased scientists funding from < Ksh 30 million to > Ksh300 million and publication from 38 to 94 annually. Prof Njiru as the CEO and KMFRI were evaluated by the government of Kenay at excellent throughout his tenure.
Prof. Njiru has published over 110 peer reviewed articles, with a focus on enhancing fishery practices and conserving aquatic biodiversity. He has supervised over 30 students at postgraduate. Prof Njiru and teams have attracted over Ksh 1 billion for research, to support postgraduates students and communities
His achievements include leading impactful research projects, mentoring upcoming scientists, and actively participating in global initiatives for sustainable aquatic resource management. As a highly regarded expert, he continues to influence fisheries science and policy at both national and international levels.
Academic Qualifications:
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Environmental Studies (Biological Sciences), Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya. 1st November 1 9 9 7-7th November 2 0 0 3
Title of thesis: Ecology and population characteristics of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L in Lake Victoria.
Masters of Science (MSc)- Aquatic Sciences/Ecology/Fish Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. 1st September 1 9 9 2 - 7th November 1 9 9 5
Title of Thesis: Use of otoliths in aging dagaa, Rastrineobola argentea (Pellegrin) in Lake Victoria, Kenya.
Bachelor of Science (BSc) - (Zoology, Botany and Chemistry), 2nd Class Hons Upper Division Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya. 3rd November 1 9 8 6- 14th November 1 9 8 9
Research Interests: Prof James Njiru is a professor of fisheries and aquatic systems. His research interests focus on fish biology, fisheries exploitation, population dynamics, conservation, management and the environment. His expertise is in study of fisheries and aquatic systems of Lake Victoria, Lake Naivasha and several rivers in Kenya. This includes the environment and trophic status of aquatic systems including marine. His recent studies include biology and population characteristics of fresh water endangered species such as Barbels such as - Labeobarbus altianalis and Labeo victorianus in the riverine systems of Western Kenya.
Other recent studies include; sustainable future and blue economy in the coastal region of Kenya, carbon credit and use of mangroves for caron sequestration, harmful algal blooms in Lake Victoria, Food web/heavy metals in food chains of Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria, community-based cage aquaculture, illegal fishing in Lake Victoria and the Indian ocean, artisanal tuna fisheries in the western Indian Ocean, socioeconomic impact of small-scale inland fisheries, Climate Smart Agriculture Technologies, Innovations and Management Practices for Aquaculture Value Chain, biology and ecology of fishes, lakes water quality and the environment, Use of constructed wetlands to control pollution in urban/prisons in Mombasa
Publications:
Book chapters
Njiru, J. M., Sitoki L., Nyamweya, C., Tsuma, J., Aura, C., Waithaka, E., & Masese, F. (2012). Habitat degradation: Could it be the key to Lake Victoria fisheries changes? In: J. A. Daniel (Ed), Advances in Environmental Research (Vol 27, pp 1-27), NOVA Science Publishers, Inc New York. ISBN: 978-1-62257-425-4.
Aura, M. C., Musa, S., Njiru J., Ogello, E.O. & Kundu K. (2012).: Fish-Restocking of Lakes in Kenya: Should Solemnly Be an Environmental Issue, In: W.A. Adoyo & C. I. Wangai (Eds), African Political, Social and Economic Issues: Kenya Political, Social and Environmental Issues (pp 39-60). NOVA Science Publishers, Inc NewYork. ISBN: 978-1-62081-085-9.
Njiru, J. M., Nyamweya C., Gichuki J., Mugidde, R., Mkumbo, O. & Witte, F. (2011). Increase in anoxia in Lake Victoria and its effects on the fishery. In P. Padilla (Ed), Anoxia (pp 99-128). Intech, Open Access Publisher. ISBN 979-953-307-139-7. www. Intechweb.org.
Conferences- Selected
Njiru, J. (2024) Blue Economy in Kenya: Is it the panacea to turn around Kenya’s Economy. Paper Presented at the Aquatic Resources and Blue Economy Conference (ARBEC II) 2024 -The Acacia Premier Hotel Kisumu, Kisumu, Kenya, 18th -20th June 2024
Njiru, J. (2024) Blue Economy in Kenya- Opportunities and Challenges. A paper presented at the 15th Biennial International Conference. Research for Innovative Solutions In the 21st Century, 19th – 21st MARCH, 2024, Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya
Njiru J. (2022) UN’s Decade on Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030. Speech by Prof. James Njiru at the Ocean Decade Side event organized by IOC UNESCO during 12th WIOMSA CONFERENCE, Port Elizabeth 14th October 2022. Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
Njiru, J. (2022) The role of Science in informing Blue Economy growth and development: Case of Kenya. A paper presented at the Aquatic Resources and Blue Economy Conference (ARBEC i) 2022 -The Acacia Premier Hotel Kisumu, Kisumu, Kenya, 28th Novembe-1st December 2022
Njiru J. (2017) Ecosystem approach: Is it the way to go for Lake Victoria’s fisheries? A Paper presented at Lake Victoria Basin Environment Research and Scientific Conference 15th- 16th Feb 2017, Mwanza, Tanzania.
Njiru J. (2016) Development Strategy on the Marine Research Institutions in Session I on 26th September, 2016. Global Ocean Summit 20 at Oceantec Valley, Qingdao, Shandong, National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, China 26-28 September, 2016
Classes taught:
FIAQ 211: Developmental Biology of Fishes - Undergraduate
LIMN 812: Stream and Lake Ecology= Postgraduate
ENSC 901: Global Water Issues - Postgraduate
Other relevant links:
linkedin.com/in/james-njiru-64657932
https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=new_articles&hl=en&imq=JAMES+NJIRU#
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8874-6365
Official Contact Details: jnjiru@kisiiuniversity.ac.ke
