Profile - DR CHARLES MAINA KIHIA

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DR CHARLES MAINA KIHIA

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Staff Information

PERSONAL DETAILS

Designation: SENIOR LECTURER
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Job Category: Teaching
Division / Faculty: Faculty of Science
Directorate / Dept: DEPT. OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Section: Njoro Egerton
Address: PO Box 536 Egerton

SUMMARY

ORCID: http://0000-0002-1515-709X

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

BSC Botany Zoology, Moi university

MSC Ecology Moi university

PhD Environmental Science, Egerton University

FIELDS OF SPECIALIZATION

: APPLIED ECOLOGY, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Pedagogy for university Academic staff Jan 2024, Egerton

Competence Based curriculum, Egerton August 2023.

Project proposal development and communication skills enhancement training, Egerton February, 2010

WORK EXPERIENCE

Assitant lecturer 1996-2005

Lecturer 2005-2013

Senior lecturer 2013 to present

RESEARCH INTERESTS

APPLIED ECOLOGY

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

SUSTAINABILITY

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

Kihia, C.M., J.M. Mathooko, R.K. Ruwa & W.A. Shivoga, 2010. Mangrove litter biomass input in a forest impacted by human disturbance. Ecotropica 16: 113-123.
Kihia, C.M., J.M. Mathooko, R.K. Ruwa & W.A. Shivoga, 2011. Influence of human disturbance on patterns of leaf herbivory at Gazi mangrove forest. African Journal of Aquatic Science 30(3); 1-7.

Kihia, C.M., J.M. Mathooko, R.K. Ruwa & W.A. Shivoga, 2012. Leaf herbivore preference in a tropical mangrove forest impacted by human physical disturbance. International Journal of Ecology & Development Vol 12 (2); 52-63.
Kihia CM, Mathooko JM, Ruwa RK & Shivoga AW, 2012. Influence of human disturbance on litter standing crop biomass in a tropical mangrove forest. Journal of Environmental Natural Resource Management & Society,1-12 ISSN 2079-8237.
Kihia, C.M, 2014. Impact of human disturbance on vegetation structure in a Kenyan mangrove forest. Egerton Journal of Science & Technology, 14: 31-47.
Kihia CM, Saint-Paul U, JM Mathooko, WA Shivoga, RK Ruwa, 2015. Leaf litter processing in a Kenyan mangrove forest impacted by human physical disturbance. Journal of Environmental Natural Resource Management & Society, 59-73.
Kihia CM, Hendrick Y, Muthumbi A, Okondo J, Nthiga A, Njuguna VM, 2015. Morphometric characterization of fish landed by bait fishers at the Mida creek, Kenya. International Journal of Fishery & Aquaculture, 6(2), 15-24; Doi 10.5897/IJFA14.0451.
Kihia CM, Muthumbi A, Okondo J, Nthiga A, Njuguna VM, 2015. Human disturbance and shell utilization among gastropods and hermit crabs targeted by bait fishers along a tropical mangrove fringed creek, Mida, Kenya. Wetlands Ecology & Management, 23(2), Doi 10.1007/s11273-015-9429
Kihia C.M. A. Muthumbi, J. Okondo, A. Nthiga, V. Njuguna, 2015. Mangrove hermit crab utilization in artisanal bait fishery: Narratives on bait collection, processing and use by bait fishers at creek, Mida, Kenya. SANCOR Newsletter, March 2015, Issue 207; 21-22
Kihia CM, Hendrick Y, Muthumbi A, Okondo J, Nthiga A, Njuguna VM., 2015. Feeding habits and trophic status of fish landed by tropical artisanal bait fishers, Mida creek Kenya. International Journal of Marine Sciences, 5(42): 1-9.
Kihia CM, Muthumbi A, Okondo J, Nthiga A, Njuguna VM, JM Muchiri, 2016. Valuation of fishery among artisanal fishers that use non-commercialized intertidal bait at the Mida Creek, Kenya. International Journal of Marine Sciences, 6(23): 1-9.
Kihia CM, SW Waigwa, JM Munyaka, 2017. Polychaete (Maphysa mosambica) morphometrics and their use in estimation of polychaete size and breeding values of bait exploited by artisanal fishers at the Kenyan coast. Advances in Ecological & Environmental Research, 1-19.
Kihia CM, LM Gitonga, J Tembo, E Kanyeki, J Munguti, B Muli, 2018. Fishing power of conventionally harvested wetland baitworms compared to black soldier fly larvae as alternatives baits in tropical artisanal fishery. International Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Studies, 6(4); 528-536.
Mbilu M, W Wanyoike, M Kangogo, C Bii, AW Muthumbi, C Kihia, 2018. Isolation and characterization of endophytic fungi from medicinal plant Warbugia ugandensis. Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Healthcare, ISSN 2224-2228, online 2225-093X.
Kihia CM, 2018. Musing of a deshelled tropical hermit from the mudflats of the western Indian Ocean. SANCOR newsletter, issue 129; 9-10.
Kihia CM, Muthumbi A, Munguti J, Muli BM, Ombati T, Sectorial appraisal of investor and consumer potential for polychaete culture enterprises along the Kenyan coastline. RUFORUM Working Documents Series, (ISSN 1607-9345), 14(2); 861-868.
Muli BM, Kihia CM, Fulanda BM, Muthumbi A, Munguti J, Effects of polychaete based diets on growth and survival of tiger shrimp juveniles. RUFORUM Working Documents Series, (ISSN 1607-9345), 14(2); 907-911.
Kihia CM, A Muthumbi, J Okondo, A Nthiga, V Njuguna, 2020. Exploitation currency among artisanal bait fishers; are intertidal bait harvesters optimal forager? Some consideration for holistic management. Egerton Journal of Science & Technology, 17; 101-120. ISSN 2073-8277.
Simon CA, AWN Muthumbi, CM Kihia, KMS Smith, RB Cedras, PT Mahatante, VW Wangondu & R Katikiro, 2021. A review of marine invertebrates used as fishing baits and the implications for national and regional management in the Western Indian Ocean, African Zoology, 56:4, 237-263, DOI: 10.1080/15627020.2021.2001370
Mathooko JM, Kihia CM, Katikiro R, Mahatante PT, Wambui CK, 2022. A Concept for a graduate programme on ocean governance in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). WIOGEN consultancy report, 60pp
Kihia CM, Macai J, EK Mbaru, D Kajuju, P Chaka. 2023. Tropical marine faunal hazard knowledge, incidents and associated health burden among seascape users in the Kenyan coastline. Estuarine, Coastal & Shelf Science, 281 (2023) 108214 YECSS-D-21-00401R2. 
Kihia CM, 2023. Reflections of a slippery but besieged trans-ecosystem sojourner. The Indian Ocean Bubble, 3(17) July 2023.
Mwangi RW, M Mustafa, Kihia. C, Wagara, N Kappel, 2023. Selected emerging and reemerging plant pathogens affecting the food basket: A threat to food security. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research 14 (2023) 100827.
Tembo JK, Kihia CM, NK Kitaka, G O’Brien, C Hazen, E Mbaru, CK Kariuki, 2023. Diet and trophic interactions between catadromous anguillids and sympatric fish in Kenyan east flowing rivers. WIO Journal of Marine Sciences, 22 (2), 87-106.
Catherine Wanjiru Kariuki, Charles Maina Kihia , Gordon O’Brien , Oscar Omondi Donde and Japhet Kadzo Tembo, 2025. Growth response of anguillid eels in two Kenyan rivers with varying levels of habitat integrity. African Journal of Environmental Sciences, Vol. 19(3), pp. 122-130, March 2025 DOI: 10.5897/AJEST2024.3308 Article Number: 57F6D0473070 ISSN: 1996-0786
Japhet Kaadzo Tembo, Charles Maina Kihia, Nzula Kivuva Kitaka, Gordon O’Brien, Céline Hanzen, Emmanuel Mbaru and Catherine Wanjiru Kariuki, 2025. Call to alter WIO River catchment management unveiled from the assessment of anguillid and fish habitat quality at two Kenya east flowing rivers. 17(1), pp. 9-21, January-June 2025 DOI: 10.5897/IJFA2024.0870.
Zipporah Muchiri, Charles Kihia, Emmanuel Mbaru, Stephen Karori, 2025. Heavy metal bioaccumulation in anguillids from rivers in Kenya. Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science 24(1): 75-85 [doi: 10.4314/wiojms.v24i1.8
Muli, B., Okeyo, B., Fulanda, B., & Kihia, C. (2025). Suitability of Polychaete Worms (Marphysa Mossambica) as Protein and Lipids Ingredient for the Culture of Tiger Prawn (Penaeus Monodon) in Hapa Nets in Tidal Ponds of Mtwapa Creek. Annals of Marine Science Research, 2(2), 01-10.

CONFERENCES & INVITED PRESENTATIONS

M. Kihia 1997. Cultural aspects in the conservation and utilization on biodiversity in Kenya. A paper presented at the 1^st National Workshop of Ethno biology, Aug 1997, Nairobi, Kenya.
M. Kihia, 1999. Ethics and the conservation and utilization of natural resources in Kenya. A paper presented at the 1^st Regional consultative workshop in Bioethics, May 1999, Nyahururu, Kenya.
M. Kihia, 2002. Dynamics of litter input, retention, export and bioprocessing in a Kenyan mangrove forest- progress report. A paper presented at the DAAD scholars workshop, Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya.
M. Kihia, 2003. Litter input and retention in a Kenyan mangrove forest, Gazi bay. A paper present at the 1^st National postgraduate conference, Kenyatta University, Nairobi Kenya.
Kihia, C.M., J.M. Mathooko, R.K. Ruwa & W.A. Shivoga, 2009. Patterns of herbivory in a Kenyan mangrove forest. Paper presented at the 5^th WIOMSA Symposium, Durban South Africa.
Kihia, C.M., J.M. Mathooko, R.K. Ruwa & W.A. Shivoga, 2011. Impact of human disturbance on leaf litter processing in a Kenyan mangrove forest. Poster presented at the 7^th WIOMSA conference, Mombasa, Kenya.
Kihia C.M. A Muthumbi, J Okondo, 2013. Fisheries bait harvesting among artisanal fishers at Mida creek, Kenya. Paper presented at 8^th WIOMSA Symposium, Maputo, Mozambique.
Kihia C.M. A Muthumbi, J Okondo, 2015. Impact of bait harvesting by artisanal fishers on target and non-target biota at the Mida creek, Kenya. Paper presented at the 9^th Egerton University International Workshop, Egerton, Njoro, 25-27^th March, 2015.
Kihia CM. 2016. Linking ik potentials to local community livelihoods and national development. Humboldt ‘Kolleg’’ workshop on research and networking; laying the foundation for the sustainable development goals, 6-12 April, Naivasha, Kenya.
Kihia CM, A Muthumbi, J Munguti, B Muli, A Ombati, 2016. Sectorial appraisal of investor and consumer potential for polychaete culture enterprise along Kenyan coastline. 5^th RUFORUM Biannual conference, 17^th- 23^rd October, Cape Town, South Africa.
Kihia C.M. A Muthumbi, J Okondo, 2016. Bait harvesting and fishery at the Mida creek. ZMT-SUTAS symposium, 18-24, 2016, IMS Stone town, Zanzibar.
Kihia CM, Muthumbi A. Okondo J. Kanya J, Nthiga A, Njoroge V, 2017. Exploitation currency among artisanal bait fishers; are intertidal bait harvesters optimal foragers?. 10^th WIOMSA symposium, 30-4^th Nov, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Kihia CM, A Muthumbi, J Munguti, B Muli, A Ombati, 2018. Bottlenecks in the development of culture protocols for local polychaete; preliminary results. 2^nd ZMT-DAAD conference, Bagamoyo, Tanzania.
Kihia CM, Muthumbi A. Okondo J. Kanya J, Nthiga A, Njoroge V, 2018. Foraging currency as a determinant of bait choice among artisanal hook and trap fishers at the Kenyan coastline. 12^th Egerton university International conference on knowledge solution for the society, economy and environment. 27^th -29^th March 2018, Njoro, Kenya
Kihia CM, E Mbaru, J Macai, 2022. Indigenous Marine biohazard knowledge and their management among intertidal seascape users along the Kenyan Indian ocean. SAMSS virtual conference presentation, 2022
Kihia CM, J muthumbi, J Okondo, J Kanya, A Nthiga, V Njuguna, 2017. Exploitation currency among artisanal bait fishers: are intertidal bait harvesters
Kihia CM, Muthumbi A. Okondo J. Kanya J, Nthiga A, Njoroge V, 2018. Are intertidal fishing bait harvesters optimal foragers? 11^th WIOMSA Symposium, Dar es Salam, Tanzania.
Kihia CM, E Mbaru, C Kariuki, L Gitonga, J Tembo, Z Muchiri, C Hanzen, 2022. Contributions of Catadromous Anguillids to River Fishery and Livelihoods among Riparian Communities along Two East Flowing Kenyan Rivers. Proceeding of the 12^th WIOMSA Symposium, October, 2022, Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa.
Kariuki CW, Kihia CM, MO Esilaba, C Hanzen, E Mbaru, 2022. Occurrence, Recruitment And Maturation Of Catadromous Anguilla Eels at Two Kenyan Rivers Under differing Anthropogenic Disturbance. Proceeding of the 12^th WIOMSA Symposium, October, 2022, Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa
Ombati, TS, Kihia CM, Kirui BK, 2023. Performance of Eunicid polychaete (Marphysa mossambica) commonly exploited by artisanal fisher under different culture and diet regimes. Conference presentation at the 14^th International Polychaete Conference, Stellenbosch, South Africa July 2023
Muli BM, Kihia CM, B Fulanda, B Okeyo, 2023. Suitability of polychaete worms (Marphysa mossambica) as protein and lipids ingredient for the culture of Giant Black Tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) in hapa nets in tidal ponds. Conference presentation at the 14^th International Polychaete Conference, Stellenbosch, South Africa July 2023
Kihia CM, G O’Brien, C Hanzen, E Mbaru, 2022. WIO slippery eel fishery along Kenya east flowing rivers expose lacunae in Kenya fisheries management; preliminary results. Proceedings of the 14^th International Biannual Conference, Egerton Njoro, March, 2022.
Tembo J, Kihia CM, N Kitaka, G O’Brien, C Hanzen, E Mbaru, 2022. Contribution of anguillids to fish conservation value at two Kenya East flowing rivers. Proceedings of the 14^th International Biannual Conference, Egerton Njoro, March, 2022
Kihia CM, Mbaru EK, Charimbu M, Utilization of nutrient dense wild foods; togotia (Cruciferae) and mkunga (anguillidae) among Kenyan communities. Paper presented at the Global Development Network Conference, October-November, 2023, Quito, Ecuador.

HONORS, PRIZE AND AWARDS

: DAAD Post-Doc grant, 2012: 6-month research study visit ZMT, Bremen

TEACHING AREAS

General Ecology

Terrestrial ecology

Marine ecology

Population biology

Animal Behaviour

Veterbrate systematic and evolution

POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISION

MASTERS LEVEL :

Gitonga Lena Juvenile eel recruitment, M.Sc. Fisheries, Pwani University, Graduated 2025

Muchiri Zipporah, Heavy metal contamination in eels, MSc Biochemistry, Egerton University, Graduated 2025.

Tembo Japhet Fish assemblage in rivers, MSc Limnology, Egerton University. Graduated 2025

Life history strategies of artificially cultured eunicid polychaetes under different dietary regimes. TS Ombati, MSc thesis Egerton University. Ongoing.

Comparative study of performance of tiger shrimp juveniles reared on cultured polychaete-based diet. BM Muli, MSc thesis, Pwani University 2015. ‘ongoing.

Antimicrobial potential of mangrove endophytic fungi extracts against common pathogenic bacteria of pond reared fish in Kenya. Nganga G Msc thesis, JKUAT, 2016., incomplete.

Distribution and abundance of whelks and hermit crabs in mangrove forest targeted by bait fisher at Mida Creek. Nthiga, A. MSc thesis, conservation Biology, Nairobi University. 2013 incomplete.

Effect of bacterial and fungal mangrove endophyte extract on selected pathogen in Kenya. Kimere, SM. MSc thesis, JKUAT. 2014 incomplete.

PhD. LEVEL :

Kariuki C Anguillid bioecology PhD Environmental Sciences Egerton University, graduated 2025.

OTHER SOCIETIES

Member, Ecological Society of East Africa (ESEA)
Member; East African Natural History Society (EANHS),
Member, Kenya Society for Ethno-Biology,
Member; Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA).
Member; Kenya DAAD Scholars Association.
Vice chair; ZMT DAAD Alumni Association
Member; Southern African Network of Coastal and Ocean Research SANCOR
Member; Indo-Pacific Seagrass Network
Member; British Institute in East Africa
Editorial Board member; International Journal of fisheries & Aquaculture, Nature sustainability
Society for Economic Botany, Member
Editor, International Society for Development & Sustainability (ISDS)
Member, British Ecological Society

DR CHARLES MAINA KIHIA

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