The Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), a State Corporation under the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, was established by an Act of Parliament (The Science and Technology Act Cap. 250 of the Laws of Kenya of 1979) which has since been repealed by The Science, Technology and Innovation Act No. 28 of 2013.
The Institute’s mandate is to undertake research in marine and freshwater fisheries, aquaculture, environmental and ecological studies, and marine research including chemical and physical oceanography, with the aim of providing scientific data and information for sustainable development of the Blue Economy. KMFRI also collaborates with institutions of higher learning and other organizations in training and research.
With research centers and stations located across the country, including in Mombasa, Kisumu, Naivasha, Baringo, Kegati, Sangoro, Sagana, Turkana, Mutonga, Shimoni, Gazi, and Nairobi, KMFRI plays a central role in advancing Kenya’s marine and fisheries sector.
To strengthen its workforce and enhance service delivery, the Institute is inviting applications from qualified, motivated, and self-driven professionals to fill the following vacant positions:
Position 1: Senior Engineer – KMFRI Grade 5 (1 Post) Ref: Ext/A/KMF/1
Job Specification
The Senior Engineer will be responsible for providing technical leadership in the planning, design, supervision, and maintenance of institutional infrastructure. Duties will include:
- Preparing institutional infrastructure maintenance plans.
- Designing technical systems and experimental frameworks based on research requirements.
- Advising scientists on the technical feasibility of infrastructure development projects.
- Supervising ongoing infrastructure projects to ensure adherence to standards.
- Mentoring, supervising, and guiding engineers in the department.
Key Competencies and Skills
- Strong communication and reporting abilities.
- Excellent analytical and numerical aptitude.
- Effective organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Negotiation abilities and teamwork orientation.
- Capacity to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and multitask effectively.
Remuneration and Benefits
- Basic Salary Scale: KShs. 116,410 – KShs. 151,334 per month.
- House Allowance: KShs. 45,000 per month.
- Commuter Allowance: KShs. 13,000 per month.
- Annual Leave Allowance: KShs. 12,500 per annum.
- Medical cover and other allowances as provided by KMFRI.
Position 2: Senior Engineer – KMFRI Grade 6 (1 Post) Ref: Ext/A/KMF/2
Duties and Responsibilities
The Senior Security Officer will oversee institutional security functions, ensuring the safety of assets, staff, and operations. Duties include:
- Developing and implementing security strategies, policies, and procedures.
- Liaising with security agencies to safeguard institutional operations.
- Coordinating emergency response procedures and contingency plans.
- Identifying and assessing potential security threats.
- Overseeing investigations into internal security breaches.
- Maintaining comprehensive records of crimes and incidents.
- Supervising security surveys and inspections.
- Advising management on security-related risks and requirements.
Key Competencies and Skills
- Strong strategic thinking abilities.
- Excellent organizational capabilities.
- Proficiency in communication in both English and Kiswahili.
- Strong interpersonal relations skills.
Remuneration and Benefits
- Basic Salary Scale: KShs. 87,098 – KShs. 113,228 per month.
- House Allowance: KShs. 35,000 per month.
- Commuter Allowance: KShs. 9,000 per month.
- Annual Leave Allowance: KShs. 8,500 per annum.
- Medical cover and other allowances as provided by KMFRI.
- Terms of Service: Permanent and Pensionable.
Position 3: Legal Officer – KMFRI Grade 7 (1 Post) Ref: Ext/A/KMF/3
Job Specification
This is an entry and training position for degree holders. The Legal Officer will work under the guidance and supervision of a senior officer. Duties and responsibilities include:
- Preparing legal briefs to support the initiation of legal actions.
- Drafting and interpreting legal opinions while offering guidance on legal compliance.
- Representing the Institute’s interests in policy fora, both nationally and internationally.
- Drafting, reviewing, and filing pleadings and legal documents.
- Drafting and reviewing contracts, agreements, and other instruments.
- Providing secretariat support to senior management and preparing Board papers.
- Drafting, circulating, and maintaining records of Board and Committee Papers.
- Maintaining and updating the Register of Conflict of Interest.
Key Competencies and Skills
- Strong organizational skills.
- Proficiency in drafting legal instruments.
- Report writing expertise.
- Analytical and critical thinking skills.
Remuneration and Benefits
- Basic Salary Scale: KShs. 69,766 – KShs. 90,695 per month.
- House Allowance: KShs. 28,000 per month.
- Commuter Allowance: KShs. 7,000 per month.
- Annual Leave Allowance: KShs. 8,500 per annum.
- Medical cover and other allowances as provided by KMFRI.
Application Procedure
Interested and qualified candidates must complete the KMFRI Job Application Form, available under the “Vacancies” section at the KMFRI website: www.kmfri.go.ke. Applicants should attach testimonials, academic certificates, a copy of their National Identification Card, and an updated Curriculum Vitae.
Applications must be submitted in both hard and soft copies. The soft copy should be sent as one PDF document. Hard copy applications should be placed in a sealed envelope clearly marked with the position applied for and addressed to:
The Director General
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
P. O. Box 81651 – 80100
Dr. Ludwig von Krapf Road, English Point
Mombasa, Kenya
Email: [email protected]
Applications must be received not later than Monday, 22nd September 2025.
Important Notes for Applicants
- Successful candidates will be required to present original clearance documents in compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution. These include:
- Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
- Clearance/Compliance Certificate from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
- Tax Compliance Certificate from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
- Clearance from Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
- Clearance from a recognized Credit Reference Bureau (CRB).
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted applicants will also be required to produce their original National Identity Card, academic transcripts, and professional certificates during the interview.
- Canvassing in any form will lead to automatic disqualification.
Commitment to Equal Opportunity
KMFRI is an equal opportunity employer. The Institute is committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity in its workforce. Persons living with disabilities, women, youth, and individuals from marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
