Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) is a State Corporation established in 1979 by the Science and Technology Act, Cap 250 of the Laws of Kenya, which has since been repealed by the Science, Technology and Innovation Act No. 28 of 2013 which has recognized KMFRI as a national research institution under section 56, fourth schedule. KMFRI’s mandate is to undertake research in “marine and freshwater fisheries, aquaculture, environmental and ecological studies, and marine research including chemical and physical oceanography”, in order to provide scientific data and information for sustainable development of the Blue Economy

Kenya Marine and Fisheries research institute was established in 1979 as a result of an enactment of the Science and Technology (Amendment) Act and was charged with the responsibility of conducting research and making management recommendations essential for the national exploitation of living and non-living aquatic resources in the ocean waters, as well as the fresh water in the hinterland. Managed by a Board of Management, the institute undertook research activities in close consultation with and under the general supervision of the National Council for Science and Technology. The research programme of the Institute was then divided into two groups, namely marine and freshwater research sectors. It was noticed that in addition to the long-term established objectives of providing a scientific basis for the management of natural resources, the institute should also be prepared to respond to the rapid rising public interest in the preservation of environmental quality problems that are likely to develop in the inshore waters, including the estuaries and the areas whereby there is an increase in human activities with a likelihood of affecting the fisheries.