Professor Albert Getabu
Professor Albert Getabu is a Kenyan scholar specializing in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at Kisii University. He is widely recognised for his research on Lake Victoria's fish populations, aquaculture, limnology, hydrobiology, and fisheries management. He serves as an Associate Professor of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at Kisii University.
Professor Getabu has built an outstanding research career spanning several decades. Before joining academia as a university lecturer in 2009, he served as a Research Scientist at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) for 27 years. During this period and throughout his academic career, he has made significant contributions to fisheries science, hydrobiology, limnology, and aquaculture.
As of July 2026, Professor Getabu has accumulated more than 1,427 scholarly citations, reflecting the impact and influence of his research within the scientific community.
Key Research Contributions
Professor Getabu's research has contributed substantially to the understanding and sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems in Kenya. His notable contributions include:
Conducting studies on fish species diversity, reproductive biology, and aquatic ecosystem health in river basins across Kenya, including the Kuja-Migori and Awach Kibuon rivers.
Investigating the spatial distribution and temporal changes in fish stocks in Lake Victoria (2003).
Evaluating the effectiveness of management measures for Nile perch and Nile tilapia fisheries (2007).
Studying the mortality and growth patterns of Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) (1992).
Assessing the ecological effects of invasive water hyacinth on fisheries and determining whether it provides benefits to fish production (2002).
Demonstrating the economic benefits of integrating Nile tilapia farming with vegetable production to improve rural livelihoods (2011).
Applying Carlson's Trophic State Index to evaluate the ecological condition of Lake Simbi (2019).
Impact of His Research
Professor Getabu's work has had significant implications for fisheries management, environmental conservation, and rural development. His research supports:
Sustainable Fisheries: Providing scientific evidence that informs policies for the sustainable management of Lake Victoria's commercial fisheries.
Aquaculture Development: Promoting integrated aquaculture and horticulture systems that increase productivity and improve rural livelihoods.
Environmental Monitoring: Assessing ecological changes in lakes and river systems to support conservation and sustainable resource management.
Food Security: Developing aquaculture production methods that enhance nutrition and increase incomes for smallholder farming communities.
Professional Expertise
In addition to his scientific research, Professor Getabu is recognised for his excellent scientific writing and editorial skills. His expertise has contributed to the publication of numerous peer-reviewed scientific articles and the advancement of fisheries and aquatic sciences in Kenya and beyond.
Community Engagement
Professor Getabu is a committed Christian and a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Beyond academia, he actively participates in community development initiatives, particularly those promoting the integration of fish farming with horticulture. These programmes aim to improve household incomes, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods among small-scale farmers.