Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) is a State Corporation under the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries. The Institute was originally established under the Science and Technology Act Cap. 250 of the Laws of Kenya (1979), later repealed and replaced by the Science, Technology and Innovation Act No. 28 of 2013.
KMFRI’s mandate revolves around conducting scientific research in marine and freshwater fisheries, aquaculture, environmental and ecological systems, as well as marine studies including chemical and physical oceanography. The Institute provides scientific data needed to support the sustainable growth of Kenya’s Blue Economy and collaborates extensively with national and international organizations, universities, and training institutions.
With research centers spread across Mombasa, Kisumu, Naivasha, Baringo, Kegati, Sangoro, Sagana, Turkana, Mutonga, Shimoni, a substation at Gazi, and its Nairobi liaison office, KMFRI is strategically positioned to advance Kenya’s aquatic research agenda.
KMFRI invites applications from self-motivated, proactive, and team-oriented individuals to serve in various capacities under 12-month temporary engagement terms. The following positions are open for recruitment:
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
1. Administration Officer – 1 Position
Job Responsibilities
• Supporting the implementation of security strategies, policies, and procedures.
• Assisting in matters related to security of assets and operations.
• Participating in coordination of emergency procedures and contingency planning.
• Supporting the identification of potential internal and external security threats.
• Assisting in investigations of internal security breaches.
• Maintaining security-related records, incidents, and crime logs.
• Supporting security surveys and inspections in various departments.
• Reporting key security concerns affecting operations to the supervisor.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Strong communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Supervisory capability
• Organizational skills
2. Office Assistant – 5 Positions
Job Responsibilities
• Performing general office and messenger duties.
• Operating basic office equipment.
• Preparing and arranging meeting venues.
• Collecting, dispatching, and circulating mails, files, and letters.
• Requisitioning for office supplies and consumables.
• Ensuring cleanliness of offices, equipment, and working apparatus.
• Collecting and disposing of office waste.
• Dusting and maintaining clean office environments.
• Supporting movement and carrying of office furniture or equipment.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Clear communication
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili
AQUACULTURE DEPARTMENT
3. Laboratory Technician – 1 Position
Job Responsibilities
• Cleaning and sterilizing laboratory apparatus, surfaces, ponds, and raceways.
• Storing laboratory equipment safely and systematically.
• Receiving, labeling, and recording aquatic samples for analysis.
• Supporting sample collection, processing, and preservation.
• Arranging laboratory reagents in appropriate storage areas.
• Performing elementary analytical procedures.
• Disposing laboratory waste as required.
• Maintaining laboratory records and reports.
• Assisting in demonstrations of laboratory functions to clients and visitors.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• High integrity
4. Field Assistant – 1 Position
Job Responsibilities
• Collecting and transmitting aquaculture and fisheries data to scientists.
• Supporting maintenance of fish ponds and aquaria.
• Cleaning laboratories, aquaria, and ponds.
• Assisting in seining and harvesting fish.
• Feeding fish in controlled aquaculture environments.
• Observing and reporting abnormal fish behavior.
• Reporting faults in aquaculture systems, equipment, and structures.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
CORPORATE COMMUNICATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS
5. Corporate Communication Officer – 3 Positions
Job Responsibilities
• Participating in planning and execution of organizational events.
• Inspecting meeting rooms and conference setups to ensure readiness.
• Drafting press releases, articles, leaflets, brochures, and web content.
• Moderating and editing social media content.
• Contributing to departmental work plans and annual budget activities.
• Responding to online inquiries across social media platforms.
• Editing and translating scientific materials for general audiences.
• Providing general administrative support.
• Using online tools to enhance stakeholder engagement.
• Researching publishable information for public and stakeholder communication.
• Offering photography, captioning, and basic photo editing services.
• Analyzing social media metrics and preparing performance reports.
• Creating public awareness regarding KMFRI’s activities and services.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Strong communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational ability
• Editing and creativity
• Teamwork
6. Assistant Corporate Communication & PR Officer – 2 Positions
Job Responsibilities
• Assisting in writing and distributing press releases.
• Generating content for newsletters.
• Disseminating IEC materials and maintaining distribution schedules.
• Managing newsletters, briefs, and client content.
• Attending departmental meetings and assisting in minute-taking.
• Providing administrative support including filing and managing calls.
• Booking meeting rooms and organizing departmental engagements.
• Supporting PR events, campaigns, and corporate activities.
• Distributing branded materials to internal and external stakeholders.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Communication ability
• Interpersonal relations
• Record-keeping
• Editing skills
• Team collaboration
ENGINEERING & MAINTENANCE
7. Engineering Technician – 1 Position
Job Responsibilities
• Supporting electrical installations and related engineering tasks.
• Inspecting and servicing electrical equipment.
• Maintaining and repairing buildings and infrastructure.
• Supporting maintenance of research vessels.
• Maintaining internal road networks.
• Servicing generators, air conditioning systems, firefighting equipment, and more.
• Maintaining service records for electrical, building, and vessel equipment.
• Following up with electricity providers for power supply issues.
• Verifying water and electricity meter readings.
• Supporting procurement requests for engineering materials.
• Conducting routine equipment checks to minimize operational downtime.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Organizational capability
• Clear communication
• Interpersonal skills
FINANCE & ACCOUNTING
8. Accountant – 6 Positions
Job Responsibilities
• Supporting preparation of periodic budgets.
• Assisting in institutional budget formulation and revisions.
• Updating vote book entries and performing monthly variance analysis.
• Capturing income and expenditure in accounting systems.
• Identifying outstanding balances and reconciling records.
• Processing statutory deductions.
• Preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual expenditure reports.
• Preparing cash flow, imprest, and financial reports for decision-making.
• Conducting bank reconciliations.
• Verifying payment vouchers and imprests.
• Supporting project fund management and donor reporting.
• Filing and maintaining financial records for audit and reference.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Analytical ability
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal relations
• Organizational skills
9. Accounts Assistant – 2 Positions
Job Responsibilities
• Receiving and recording supplier payment requests.
• Receiving cash and cheques from clients.
• Issuing receipts for all received revenue.
• Preparing cheques and bank transfer instructions.
• Posting payments and receipts into ERP systems.
• Preparing cash balance reports.
• Handling petty cash payments and reimbursements.
• Preparing payment vouchers.
• Maintaining and safeguarding financial documents.
• Scanning approved accounting documents for storage.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Communication ability
• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills
• Teamwork
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
10. Assistant Human Resource Officer – 6 Positions
Job Responsibilities
• Preparing draft correspondences.
• Assisting in preparing job advertisements.
• Preparing pay change advice and guiding payroll adjustments.
• Updating staff establishment and records.
• Processing salaries, allowances, benefits, and terminal dues.
• Updating HR information systems.
• Issuing staff identification cards.
• Preparing statutory returns such as NHIF and NSSF.
• Processing leave applications and sick-off records.
• Managing pension and retirement processes.
• Implementing HR decisions communicated by senior officers.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Interpersonal capability
• Strong communication
• Reporting skills
INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)
11. ICT Officer – 2 Positions
Job Responsibilities
• Developing documentation for computer programs.
• Installing and configuring computer systems and applications.
• Maintaining application systems.
• Providing end-user support and training.
• Maintaining equipment registers.
• Installing and monitoring LAN components.
• Managing active directory, email, and user applications.
• Updating ICT equipment registers.
• Maintaining the Institute’s website.
• Supporting business continuity through data backups.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Good communication
• Interpersonal skills
INFORMATION SCIENCE
12. Information Science Officer – 2 Positions
Job Responsibilities
• Providing professional library and information services.
• Supporting development of library systems and services.
• Coordinating information management projects.
• Ensuring quality and timely delivery of information services.
• Training and guiding support staff.
• Preparing performance reports.
• Supervising daily activities of support teams.
• Teaching users how to access online information resources.
• Identifying and implementing suitable library technologies.
• Developing websites and digitization of content.
• Supporting system administration, data migration, and testing.
• Supporting open-source software development.
• Providing reference and cataloguing services.
• Handling metadata, indexing, and maintaining technical standards.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Interpersonal capability
• Organizational skills
• Communication
• Collaboration
LABORATORY SERVICES
13. Laboratory Analyst – 7 Positions
Job Responsibilities
• Identifying chemicals and consumables required for experiments.
• Collecting, preparing, and disposing of samples safely.
• Maintaining laboratory inventory.
• Conducting experimental and analytical work.
• Preserving specimens and cultures.
• Recording experimental data.
• Setting, testing, and maintaining laboratory equipment.
• Maintaining laboratory records.
• Demonstrating laboratory procedures to clients or visitors.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Communication ability
• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational capability
• Computer proficiency
14. Laboratory Technologist – 7 Positions
Job Responsibilities
• Collecting, preparing, and safely disposing samples.
• Conducting analytical work.
• Cleaning laboratory equipment.
• Preserving specimens and cultures.
• Recording experimental data.
• Maintaining and repairing laboratory equipment.
• Managing laboratory records.
• Demonstrating laboratory procedures to clients.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Communication ability
• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills
MARITIME SERVICES
15. First Mate (Desk Officer) – 1 Position
Job Responsibilities
• Keeping watch over vessel operations while afloat.
• Coordinating loading of all types of cargo.
• Keeping custody of official vessel documentation.
• Managing navigation-related tasks.
• Supervising assistant marine captains.
• Coordinating vessel trips including servicing, fueling, and maintenance.
• Supporting planning of maritime research activities by providing expert advice.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Navigational proficiency
• Supervisory capability
16. Coxswain – 1 Position
Job Responsibilities
• Piloting small support boats.
• Supervising seamen and support crew.
• Executing regulatory duties efficiently.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Interpersonal ability
• Communication
• Swimming proficiency
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
17. Business Development Officer – 1 Position
Job Responsibilities
• Preparing reports on marketing activities and progress.
• Managing marketing concepts for products and services.
• Enhancing communication with external clients.
• Supporting distribution of marketing materials.
• Handling customer complaints, inquiries, and feedback.
• Supporting branding and packaging of institutional products.
• Supporting development of media features and advertising materials.
• Designing billboards and marketing assets.
• Coordinating outdoor sales and supervising sales personnel.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Planning capability
• Communication
• Interpersonal relations
18. Assistant Sales & Marketing Officer – 1 Position
Job Responsibilities
• Supporting implementation of marketing strategies.
• Preparing promotional and marketing materials.
• Conducting market intelligence.
• Maintaining business relationships with clients.
• Coordinating customer orders.
• Managing activities at exhibitions and outdoor events.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Effective communication
• Interpersonal skills
PLANNING
19. Planning Officer – 1 Position
Job Responsibilities
• Assisting in preparation and review of strategic plans.
• Implementing internal policies, regulations, and guidelines.
• Analyzing policy recommendations.
• Preparing policy position papers.
• Supporting budget preparation including MTEF and state corporation budgets.
• Collecting and analyzing economic and statistical data.
• Supporting integration of departmental activities into ministerial programs.
• Recommending updates to institutional strategies.
• Supporting feasibility studies for projects and programs.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Interpersonal relations
• Organizational capability
RECORDS MANAGEMENT
20. Records Management Officer – 2 Positions
Job Responsibilities
• Ensuring security of information, documents, and equipment.
• Managing mail receipt, sorting, opening, and dispatch.
• Classifying, indexing, and filing documents.
• Updating and maintaining personnel records and indexes.
• Controlling access to confidential and secret files.
• Maintaining custody of official documents.
• Planning accommodation needs for registries.
• Maintaining file movement records.
• Supporting digitization of institutional documents.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Organizational capability
• Strong communication
• Interpersonal skills
RESEARCH
21. Assistant Research Scientist – 6 Positions
Job Responsibilities
• Identifying research problems alongside stakeholders.
• Prioritizing research themes for implementation.
• Developing research concepts and proposals.
• Reviewing relevant literature.
• Conducting field data collection.
• Analyzing research data.
• Preparing technical reports, research notes, and dissemination materials.
• Supporting dissemination of research findings through seminars, workshops, and exhibitions.
• Mentoring students, interns, and visitors.
• Implementing ISO standards in departments.
• Preparing departmental quarterly and annual reports.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills
• Teamwork
SECURITY
22. Security Officer – 1 Position
Job Responsibilities
• Supporting development and implementation of security policies.
• Liaising with security agencies for asset protection.
• Coordinating emergency and contingency plans.
• Identifying security threats.
• Overseeing investigations of security breaches.
• Maintaining incident and crime records.
• Conducting security surveys and inspections.
• Coordinating with county and national security agencies.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Organizational skills
• Communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Integrity
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
23. Supply Chain Management Officer – 2 Positions
Job Responsibilities
• Supporting implementation of procurement strategies.
• Assisting in execution of consolidated procurement plans.
• Preparing and compiling procurement reports.
• Supporting internal control systems in stores management.
• Supporting identification of obsolete and surplus items.
• Supporting market surveys for pricing analysis.
• Supporting clerical roles within the department.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills
• Teamwork
24. Assistant Supply Chain Management Officer – 6 Positions
Job Responsibilities
• Inspecting, receiving, and issuing goods and services.
• Ensuring safe storage of inventory to minimize loss.
• Conducting periodic and ad hoc stocktaking.
• Providing secretariat support to procurement committees.
• Maintaining lists of pre-qualified suppliers.
• Preparing low-value procurement reports.
• Managing integrity records such as gifts and gratuities registers.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Communication
• Interpersonal relations
• Teamwork
TRANSPORT
25. Driver – 3 Positions
Job Responsibilities
• Driving vehicles as assigned.
• Maintaining accurate work tickets.
• Cleaning and overseeing maintenance of assigned vehicles.
• Preparing and submitting vehicle status reports.
• Ensuring safety of vehicle and passengers.
• Observing traffic laws at all times.
• Reporting incidents promptly to authorities and supervisors.
Key Competencies and Skills
• Organizational ability
• Communication and reporting skills
• Interpersonal skills
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before 3rd December, 2025
