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Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

Background

The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences was established at Moi University in 1990 as the first university department in Eastern Africa to deal exclusively with training personnel for the fisheries sector. Prior to its establishment in the faculty of Forestry Resources and Wildlife Management at Chepkoilel Campus (now University of Eldoret), the management of fisheries resources in the country was being spearheaded by personnel with a sketchy knowledge on fisheries issues. Since the time University of Eldoret was chattered as a fully fledged university in the year 2012, the department continues to grow from strength to strength in the School of Natural Resource Management. The course on Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences has continued to bridge a big gap by offering an all round graduate with competencies in handling capture fisheries management, Aquaculture, fisheries postharvest management, aquatic sciences (freshwater and marine) and environmental conservation issues related to the aquatic environment. To satisfy the country’s personnel needs in the fisheries sector, the department offers various fisheries curricula developed with full participation of all relevant stakeholders at Diploma, bachelors, master and Ph.D levels. The alumini of the department are currently widespread serving the nation in various research institutions, state department of Fisheries, County governments, government parastatals, international and national NGO’s dealing with conservation of aquatic resources. Several have also established their own businesses in fish farming, fish feed production, and ornamental fisheries among others.

Academic Programmes

The department offers both general and specialized academic programmes in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences which includes:

  • Diploma in Aquaculture and Fisheries
  • Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
  • Bachelor of Science in Aquaculture
  • Bachelor of Science in Fisheries Management and Postharvest Technology
  • Bachelor of Science in Aquatic Resource Management
  • Bachelor of Science in Coastal and Marine Resource Management
  • Master in Aquatic Sciences
  • Master in Aquaculture
  • Masters in Capture Fisheries Management
  • Ph.D In Fisheries (Aquaculture Option)
  • Ph.D in Fisheries (Capture Fisheries Management Option)

The diploma offered in the department is a two-year programme which leads to direct admission to second year of study in the BS.c programme for those who graduate with a distinction or credit, or to first year of study for those with a pass. Applicants with a recognized certificate in fisheries are also eligible for admission in first year of study.

The Department which is currently being headed by Prof. Phillip Raburu is endowed with highly qualified and experienced personnel in all areas of specialization in fisheries and aquatic sciences.

STAFF PROFILE

PROF. BOAZ KAUNDA ARARA: B.Sc. (Moi), M.Sc. (Nairobi), Ph. D. (Memorial). Professor and leader of the Marine Ecosystem Division at the Department. He Lectures and supervises students at both undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Aquatic and Fisheries Ecology. Has served as Head of Department. His areas of interest in research includes; Fisheries Ecology, Marine Population Ecology and Dynamics and has published more than 45 papers in referred journals and co-authored two books. He serves as an Editor of the Elsevier Fisheries Research Journal and reviews for several journals in Fisheries and Aquatic Science. His additional national and International contribution in the area of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences includes; Member of UN-CMS-Sharks Advisory Committee, Member IUCN Shark specialist group, member IUCN snappers, grunts and groupers specialist group, Member Reef Fish Spawning Aggregation Specialist group, Cruise leader SWIOFP demersal fisheries survey in coastal east Africa. He has served as External Examiner Makerere University Biological Sciences Department. email-address b_kaunda@yahoo.com

PROF. PHILLIP RABURU: B. Sc. (Kenyatta), M. Sc. (Nairobi), Ph. D. (Moi). Associate Professor and a member of Aquatic Resource Management Division at the Department. Lecturing and supervision of research projects for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and the courses include Conservation and Management of Aquatic Resource, Aquatic Resource and the Environment and Wetland Ecology and Management. He is the Head of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, a Member of UoE Procurement Committee, Hall warden, Patron UoE Christian Union and also a Member of UoE Fish Farm Committee. His area of interest in research is Wetland Management and Conservation and has published over 30 papers in referred journals. His national contribution in area of research include Wetland Conservation and Management, Wetland Policy formulation and implementation. Email-address praburu2002@yahoo.com cell-phone +254717631789/ +254733616912

PROF. JULIUS MANYALA: B.Sc. (Pune) M.Sc. (Nairobi), Ph. D (UoE). Associate Professor and a member of Fisheries Management Division at the Department. Lecturing and supervision of research projects for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and the courses include Fish Population Dynamics, Fish Stock Assessment and Computer Modelling in Fisheries. He is the Chair in Fish Farm Committee, in charge of Departmental MoUs, Co-ordinator of Curriculum review committee, ICT and Computer coordinator. His interest in population modelling and has published over 20 papers in referred journals. His national contribution in his profession are member of the National Task Force in Aquaculture Policy, National Working Group on Frame Surveys, Tuna Management Strategy, Lobster Fisheries Certification and Facilitation of the Prawn Fisheries Management Plan (Legal Gazette Notice and Closed Season for Lake Victoria Legal Notice No, 7565. Email-address: manyalajo@yahoo.com, cell-phone: +254733397285/ +254725246885/+447452259416

DR. GERALDINE K. MATOLLA: B.Sc. (Moi), M.Sc. (Memorial), Ph. D (UoE). Senior Lecturer and a member of Aquaculture Division at the Department. Lecturing and supervision of research projects for undergraduate programs, and the courses taught include Fish diseases/ Fish health management and Seed and larval/Hatchery production. She is the Departmental and school PSSP coordinator, Chairperson of the Departmental welfare, Student academic advisor, Fish farm committee chairperson, Warden hostel ABC, Director of Gender Equity & Diversity at UoE. Has conducted research and published in fish diseases Socio-economics and gender issues in fisheries. National involvement in her profession include training of fisheries officers in aquaculture, on site fish farmer training, Development of cage fish farming systems in reservoirs, ponds and temporary water bodies in Eastern Africa, Pond construction and aquaculture management training course for fisheries extension officers, Trainer for Fish diseases at the Lake Victoria Training Programme. Currently involved in AGRIFOSE2030 sustainable aquaculture research project and in development of policy issues in aquaculture. Email-address gmatolla@yahoo.com cell-phone +254724951440

DR. DAVID MANGUYA LUSEGA: B.Sc. M.Sc. (Poon), Ph. D (UoE). Lecturer and a member of Post-Harvest Technology Division at the Department. Lecturing and supervision of research projects for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and the courses include Post Harvest Technology, Biology of Shell-Fish and Ornamental Fisheries. He is the Chair in Fisheries Graduate Committee, Fisheries Examination and Teaching Time Table coordinator, School of Natural Resources and Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Publicity and Exhibitions representative. His areas of interest in research are Environmental Health, Fish Post Harvest Technology, Fish Value Chains and Fish Value Addition and his national contribution in his profession include Fish Inspectors on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Fish Quality Management, Kenya Ornamental Fisheries and Aquaria consultancy services, Aquascaping fountains and waterfall features in Garden Fish ponds, Fish Pond Design and Management, Fish Veterinary Services, Fish Value Chain and Value Addition. Email-address dmanguya@yahoo.com cell-phone +254722904693

DR. FRANK MASESE. B. Sc (Moi). M. Sc. (Moi). Ph. D. (UNESCO-IHE). Lecturer and a member of Aquatic Resource Management Division at the Department. Lecturing and supervision of research projects for undergraduate programs, and the courses taught include Wetland Ecology and Management, Watershed Management, Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Ecology of Inland Waters. Has interest in aquatic sciences; watershed management, biodiversity conservation, water monitoring and wetlands and has published 21 papers in referred journals. Email-address ondemasese@yahoo.com cell-phone +254721610066

MR. ROBERT OLENDI. B.Ed(Nbi) M.Sc. (Moi) PgD (Stirlig), DFM(Humberside) Registered Ph. D (UoE). Lecturer and a member of Fisheries Management Division at the Department. Lecturing and supervision of research projects for undergraduate programs, and the courses taught include Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries Policy, Law and Professional Ethics and Management of Captured Fisheries. He is in charge of space allocation, Equipment and Library, Departmental Quality Assurance officer, and a member of Fish Farm committee. He is also in charge of School Field Attachment and Field Trip Coordination, ISO Champion and Internal Quality Auditor. He is interested in Aquaculture and Aquatic ecology has published 4 paper in the referred journals. Email-address rjolendi@yahoo.com cell-phone +254720409653

MRS. LEAH CHEROP. B.Sc. (Moi), M.Sc. (Moi) registered for Ph. D. (UoE). Lecturer and a member of Aquaculture Division at the Department. Lecturing and supervision of research projects for undergraduate programs, and the courses taught include Principles of Aquaculture/Aquaculture Systems, Fisheries Extension and Education and Water Quality and Pollution Control. She is a fish farm committee member. She is interested in fish ecology, biology and fish nutrition and has published 4 papers in the referred journals. She has participated in the curriculum development for establishing diploma and undergraduate programmes in the Department, trained Kenya Fisheries Officers and Fish Farmers locally, nationally and regionally on Aquaculture issues, Team member in the development of Agri-bussiness incubator (Nandi-Agri-Value chain incubator) under the umbrella of Agriculture Development Support Programme (ASDSP), Consultancy work with farmers on fish pond construction and management, nutrition of cultured fish, hatchery management Email-address ckerengo@yahoo.com cell-phone +254722430556

MR. SIMON AGEMBE: M. Sc. (Moi), B. Sc. (Moi), registered for Ph. D (UoE). Lecturer and a member of Fisheries Management Division at the Department. Lecturing and supervision of research projects for undergraduate programs, and the courses taught include Capture Fisheries Resource Management, Developmental Biology of Fishes, Fish Stock Assessment and Fish Physiology and Anatomy. He is the timetable coordinator in the Department and School of NRM. Has research interest in Stock assessment, Fisheries biology, Fisheries Ecology, Fish larval surveys and has published over 10 papers in referred journals, one book and two book chapters. In his profession he contributes to National working group on Fisheries management plan for Lake Victoria and Team project in Aquaculture curriculum development. Member Reef Fish Spawning Aggregation Specialist group Email-address agembesimon@yahoo.com cell-phone +254713463596/ +254733241387

MR. ALFRED OTIENO: B.Sc (Moi), M. Sc. (UoE) registered for Ph. D (UoE). Lecturer and a Member of Aquatic Resource Management and Fisheries Management Division at the Department. Lecturing and supervision of research projects for diploma and undergraduate programs across the divisions including Research Methods, Introductory Biostatistics and Computer Application in Fisheries Management. He is a Member of Consortium for Research in East African Tropical Ecosystems (CREATE), Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management (AHEM), Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) and also UoE Christian Union Advisory Committee, He has research interest in Aquatic Environmental Health, Aquatic ecotoxicology and Aquatic Ecosystem Modelling. He has publish 8 papers in referred journals, a reviewer with Elsevier journal (Ecological Indicators) and his national and international contribution in his profession include with Global Alliance Health and Pollution (GAHP): National Toxic Action Plan, Collaborative training in fisheries and aquaculture in East, Central and Southern Africa (COTRA) in progress, Kenya Water Towers Agency (KWTA); National Wetland and Catchment lands conservation strategies and payment for ecosystem service framework including Action and Management Plan, Lake Victoria Environmental Management Programme (LVEMP): Wetland Management Plan, National Research Fund (NRF); Developing a National Biomonitoring Protocol and Assessment of Rivers in Kenya (in progress), Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ); Trilateral Tilapia Cooperation Evaluation of Fish Farming in Western Kenya and National Agricultural Value Chain. Email-address achiengalfred@gmail.com, aotieno@uoeld.ac.ke, alfredachieng@yahoo.ocm , cell-phone +254720478489/+254738535729

MR. JAMES BARASA: B.Sc(Kenyatta), M.Sc(Moi) registered for Ph. D (UoE). Lecturer and a member of Fish Genetics Division at the Department. Lecturing and supervision of research projects for undergraduate programs, and the courses taught include Population Genetics, Seed and Laval Production, Fish Selection and Genetics, Fish Project Planning and Management. His research interests include Molecular characterization of fish and animal populations, Molecular Systematics of fishes, Fish breeding and Selection, Environmental prospecting of microbes using molecular methods and genetic-phenotypic correlations in aquaculture fish species. He has published 6 papers in referred journals. His national contribution in profession include Aquaculture Extension. He is the PI of the project: DNA barcoding, and genetic characterization of Clariid catfishes of the Lake Victoria basin of Kenya, funded by the University of Eldoret, and the African Biotechnology Challenge Fund. He is a member of the British Ecological Society and the Southern Africa Wildlife Management Association, where he has participated in International Symposia of the Southern African Wildlife Management Association (SAWMA). Email barkanoti@gmail.com cell-phone +254725842098.

MR. ANI JOSIAH SABWA: B. Sc. (Moi), M. Sc. (Moi), registered for Ph. D (UoE). Lecturer and a member of Aquaculture Division at the Department. Lecturing and supervision of research projects for undergraduate programs and the courses taught include Pond design, construction and management, Introduction to Project planning and management, Seed and larval technology, Fish Nutrition and Feed technology and Principles of Aquaculture. He is the Administrator of Strecafish Project, Kenya Chapter. Member of the Fisheries and Aquatic Science department curriculum review team, Member of the Christian Union Advisory University of Eldoret and Moi University West Campus. He has been a member of Christian Union constitution review committee of both University of Eldoret and Moi University West Campus. He is interested in Aquaculture and Aquaponics research, has published 4 papers in refereed journals. His national contribution in his profession include Eldoret ASK shows and University of Eldoret Agri-business Trade fairs, Extension and outreach Programmes within Kenya (Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Kirinyaga, Vihiga, Trans-Nzoia Counties) and some parts of Uganda (Mainly Entebbe and Mukono districts). Email-address anijos03@yahoo.com, anijos03@gmail.com and anijos03@uoeld.ac.ke, cell-phone +254728938202/ +254727003400

MR. EDWINE YONGO: B.Sc. (UoE), M.Sc. (UoE). Graduate Assistant and a Member of Fisheries/Aquatic Resource Management Division at the Department. Teaching Fish Ecology, Fish Population Dynamics and Coordinating Special Project for the undergraduate program. His areas of interest in research are Fisheries Ecology and Fisheries Management and has published 4 papers in referred journals. Email-address edwineyongo@gmail.com cell-phone +254717211646

Ms. PETRONILLA MWAGUDZA: B. Sc. (UoE), M.Sc. (Pwani University). Graduate Assistant and a Member of Post-Harvest Technology Division at the Department. Teaching Microbiology, Fish Preservation and Possessing and Fish Quality Assurance. She is interested in Post-harvest technology in fisheries and Marine ecology and biology. Email-address petronillamasika@yahoo.com +254727776792

FACILITIES

The Department has 42 earthen ponds for aquaculture research and training of both students and fish farmers in the region. The Department has a modern multipurpose hatchery which produces fingerlings for stocking the fish ponds and supply fish farmers in East Africa. The Department also operates two laboratories for practicals, research and training. The labs are equipped for analysis of different water quality parameters, including nutrients, identification of specimens, proximate analysis of food samples and feeds, soil and organic matter analyses and general microscopy and gravimetry. Through its manycollaborations, both internally and externally, the Department also is able to access many facilities for research. The department has also secured funds from the National Research Fund to equip a Fish Genetics and Genomics Laboratory which will go a long way in improving facilities in Fish Genetics and other related courses.

DEPARTMENTAL PROJECTS

COLLABORATIVE TRAINING IN FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE IN EAST, CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN AFRICA (COTRA) 6>

The Project aims at achieving sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture resources leading to increased fish production and enhanced food and nutritional security, leading to improved livelihood. This will be specifically through improved skills and competences of academic staffs in research, training and supervision, administrative staffs in implementing international mobility and enhanced quality of graduate training leading to innovative and fit-for-purpose professionals. The project will support short and long-term mobility programs in fisheries and aquaculture training and research in African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and assures well-established quality mechanisms to increase the visibility and recognition of fisheries and aquaculture programmes among African HEIs and ensure unified training procedures and high-quality graduates who will subsequently support the sustainability of the mobility and dissemination practices. The EU funded project is valued at € 1,399,875 and will be coordinated by the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, University of Eldoret (UoE), in collaboration with Rhodes University (South Africa), Makerere University (Uganda), Official University of Bukavu (DRC), Mzuzu University (Malawi) together with University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU – Austria) as technical partner.

FISH GENETICS AND GENOMICS TRAINING AND RESEARCH LABORATORY

The establishment of a Fish Genetics and Genomics training and Research Laboratory at the University of Eldoret is in the pipeline, funded by the National Research Fund to the tune of Ksh. 50 million, under the competitive Institutional Infrastructure support Initiative. The laboratory will be hosted and managed by the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences and is expected to feature cutting edge equipment and technology, to support teaching, training and research in genetics and genomics of fish and aquatic organisms. It will enable DNA extraction, PCR amplification, cloning, sequencing and genotyping protocols. A strong Bioinformatics platform will be established to support training in statistical analysis and computation. The establishment of this facility reflects the importance of molecular tools in addressing previously intractable research questions in Aquaculture, Fish Health management, Fisheries management and Aquatic Ecosystem management. It will especially support fish breeding, and the development of improved fish breeds to upscale farmed fish production in riparian counties, in line with the Kenya Vision 2030. Students and staff from other schools in the University will also be welcome to use the facility. As a regional research facility, the laboratory will also be open to plant, animal and environmental Scientists from other Universities and research Institutes, interested in conducting their research activities here.

DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL BIOMONITORING PROTOCOL AND ASSESSMENT OF THE ECOLOGICAL STATUS OF RIVERINE ECOSYSTEMS IN KENYA

The project aims to develop, test and validate national macro-invertebrate-based rapid bioassessment protocols for country-wide use in streams, rivers and other aquatic ecosystems, including manual, policy and briefs which will educate the public and build the capacity of stakeholders on aquatic biomonitoring techniques for sustainable water resources management and protection in the country. The project will be coordinated by University of Eldoret, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Science in collaboration with Egerton University and National Museum of Kenya. The project will be funded by the National Research fund to the tune Ksh. 11.9 million

STRECAFISH PROJECT

The StrecaFish Project is a partnership initiative with the University of Makerere, Ethiopian Institute of Agriculture Research and BOKU University in Austria. This is a 3 year project that is funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation through APPEAR programme. The program has sponsored two PhD students to undertake their studies in Austria and has an opening to sponsor three Masters Students before the end of this year. So far the project has organized a stakeholder’s workshop and a training workshop. Participants included Fisheries Extension officers and selected stakeholders and fish farmers drawn from Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kisumu and Sagana. The training aimed at providing the participants with skills on vital aspects of fish farming including; fish culture techniques, fish nutrition, systems design and construction, fish health, and water quality management. Amount awarded for the project activities apart from funding students is approximately €80,000 for the three years.

AQUAFISH INNOVATION LAB PROJECT

Aquafish innovation Lab project is a project funded by United States Agency for international Development (USAID) through partnership with Auburn University and Oregon State University (OSU). Amount awarded for 2014 was $27,831 annually. The project is addressing fish nutrition research, pond dynamics and aquaponics. A PhD and a Masters student have been funded to undertake their researches in both nutrition and aquaponics. The project will also engage farmers within western and north rift in on farm trainings and workshops on several aquaculture innovations.

EDULINK PROJECT

The “Concerted Fit-for-purpose PhD training in aquaculture and fisheries to improve food security and livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa” project is funded ACP-EU Co-operation Programme in Higher Education (EDULINK II) Action. This is a collaborative project between the Department of Fisheries, Universisty of Eldoret, LUANAR University Malawi, Makarere University, Uganda and Rhodes University in South Africa. This is a three year project funded to the tune of EUR 587,680.38. The main objective of the project is to strengthen Ph.D Training Programs in Aquaculture and fisheries so that it produces graduates and staff that are fit-for-purpose and especially through: Enhancement and quality assurance in aquaculture science, Improvement through curricula mapping for aquaculture development, Curriculum mapping and Ph.D graduate students attribute for result-oriented research and Course level mapping for improved delivery and Harnessing regional capacity to strengthen delivery and enhance regional learning. The project is in the process of winding up.

NANDI COUNTY INCUBATION PROJECT

Agriculture support development sector program Nandi has 4 value chains i.e Fish, diary, Maize and indigenous chicken. The department of Fisheries UOE together with County Fisheries office, Youth and gender ministries, Meteorological department and Environmental resilience department are equal partners in the program. In this project the department is mandated to lead other partners in the implementation of the training activities within Nandi County. These trainings target fish farmers, traders, transporters, financiers and processors within the county. The project is funded by the government of Kenya through ASDSP to the tune of funding about $25,000.

RESEARCH AND EXTENSION

Apart from teaching, the department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences is actively engaged in extension activities to create an impact on immediate members of the community, particularly in diversification of protein food sources thus promoting nutritional security. Currently, the Department is collaborating with the Uasin Gishu County Government Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries to promote fish production in the county. This collaboration has seen the county government construct a MODERN FISH HATCHERY at the University of Eldoret. The hatchery promises to enhance the production of quality fingerlings for fish farmers in the county and beyond. The facility will also be used for training fisheries students at the university.

The department is also collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture, state department of agriculture and Nandi County government to promote fish farming and fish value chain. Through the funding from the national ASDSP Project, The department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences tasked with the responsibility of mentoring the fish farmers with specific focus on the youths and women.