Dr. Esther Magondu | Marine Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award
Scientist at WORLDFISH | Kuwait
Dr. Esther Magondu is a highly accomplished research scientist specializing in sustainable aquatic food systems with a focus on aquaculture and fisheries. She has built an outstanding career through her contributions to marine aquaculture research, integrated multitrophic aquaculture technologies, fish health management, and stakeholder engagement in the blue economy. With a strong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and providing innovative solutions, she has worked across research institutions, universities, and international collaborations. Her expertise bridges science, policy, and practice, making her a central figure in enhancing food security and sustainable livelihoods through aquatic farming practices.
Profile
Scopus | Orcid
Education
Dr. Esther Magondu pursued her academic journey with a strong focus on fisheries and aquaculture. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Fisheries and Aquaculture from Pwani University, where her doctoral research focused on integrated aquaculture systems. She also obtained a Master of Science in Aquaculture and Marine Resources Management from Wageningen University in the Netherlands, which strengthened her expertise in advanced aquaculture management and marine resource sustainability. Her academic career began with a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from Moi University, providing her with the essential skills and scientific grounding for her later professional achievements. Each stage of her education deepened her focus on aquaculture innovations, environmental sustainability, and resource optimization.
Experience
Dr. Esther Magondu has developed extensive professional experience through her work in various prestigious institutions. She is serving as a Scientist in Aquatic Farming Practices at WorldFish, where she advances sustainable farming methods across global aquatic systems. Previously, she held positions at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, rising from Assistant Research Officer to Senior Research Scientist. In these roles, she supervised multi-disciplinary research teams, coordinated donor-funded projects, mentored early-career scientists, and contributed to shaping institutional and national research agendas. She has also served as a Centre Director at KMFRI Mombasa Centre, lectured part-time at the University of Nairobi, and collaborated with multiple international stakeholders. Her career demonstrates consistent leadership, technical expertise, and impactful scientific contributions.
Research Interest
Dr. Esther Magondu has research interests that focus on aquaculture, fisheries management, and the blue economy. She has extensively explored integrated multitrophic aquaculture systems, combining species such as tilapia, oysters, and sea cucumbers to enhance productivity and sustainability. She has also worked on fish health, biosecurity, marine feed development, seaweed farming, and shrimp pond optimization. A core aspect of her research is promoting climate-smart aquaculture practices that contribute to food security, improved livelihoods, and environmental conservation. She is also engaged in knowledge transfer to policymakers, communities, and students, ensuring that research outputs create real-world impact. Her work embodies the nexus of science, innovation, and societal benefit in marine resource management.
Awards
Dr. Esther Magondu has received numerous awards and recognitions for her excellence in research and innovation. She has been awarded scholarships for advanced studies, recognition for outstanding performance in institutional appraisals, and competitive grants as both principal investigator and co-investigator. Her projects have been supported by national and international funding organizations, reflecting the impact of her research on aquaculture development. She has also received certificates of recognition and women-in-research awards that highlight her leadership and contribution to sustainable marine resource management.
Publications Top Notes
Dr. Esther Magondu has made significant contributions to peer-reviewed literature, with publications covering aquaculture, marine ecosystems, and integrated farming systems. Selected works include:
Title: Integrated multitrophic aquaculture of sandfish (Holothuria scabra) with marine water acclimatized Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and oyster (Sacostrea cucullata) for increased production in Kenya.
Year: 2024
Title: Fish preference at different value chain levels and implications for management of mariculture.
Year: 2023
Title: The first attempts made towards the domestication of sea cucumbers in Kenya.
Year: 2023
Title: Performance of diets composed of Artemia biomass and fish meal fed to juvenile marine Tilapia in cages.
Year: 2022
Title: Toward integration of sea cucumber and cockles with culture of shrimps in earthen ponds in Kenya
Year: 2021
Title: Societal and environmental impacts of seaweed farming in relation to rural development: The case of Kibuyuni village, south coast, Kenya.
Year: 2020
Title: Fish disease management and biosecurity systems.
Year: 2020
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dr. Esther Magondu has established herself as a leading figure in the field of aquaculture and fisheries research. Her academic achievements, extensive professional experience, and impactful scientific contributions highlight her dedication to advancing sustainable aquatic food systems. Through her research, she has promoted innovative aquaculture practices that integrate environmental sustainability with socio-economic development. Her recognition through awards and grants, combined with her strong record of publications, underscores her influence within the scientific community. As she continues her career, she remains committed to driving advancements in aquaculture science, mentoring future researchers, and contributing to global efforts in sustainable food production and marine resource management.