Skip to main content
Field Research Infrastructure

WRTI Research Centers

Four strategically located research centers across Kenya's major ecosystems, serving as the field infrastructure for wildlife data collection, monitoring, and research that powers the WRTI Wildlife Database.

4

Major Centers

12+

Field Stations

6

Marine MPAs

100%

Ecosystem Coverage

Four Ecosystem-Based Research Centers

Comprehensive field research coverage across Kenya's biodiversity hotspots

Amboseli National Park - Savannah Research Center

Savannah & Arid Ecosystems

Tsavo, Amboseli, Meru & More

ECOSYSTEM 1 Headquarters: Tsavo

Savannah Arid and Semi-Arid Ecosystems Research Center

The largest research network covering Kenya's iconic savannah and arid ecosystems. Headquarters at Tsavo Research Center in Tsavo East National Park, with sub-centers strategically located across eight additional national parks and reserves.

Locations
  • • Tsavo East (HQ)
  • • Tsavo West
  • • Amboseli NP
  • • Meru NP
  • • 5+ additional sites
Research Focus
  • • Elephant populations
  • • Big cat monitoring
  • • Drought impacts
  • • Wildlife migrations
  • • Human-wildlife conflict
ECOSYSTEM 4 Location: Malindi

Coastal and Marine Research Centre

Based in Malindi, Kilifi County, this center provides scientific evidence-based information to support decision-making on marine and coastal species population dynamics. Conducts long-term ecological monitoring across six marine protected areas.

Marine Protected Areas
  • • Kisite-Mpunguti MPA
  • • Diani-Chale MPA
  • • Mombasa MPA
  • • Watamu MPA
  • • Malindi MPA
  • • Kiunga MPA
Research Focus
  • • Coral reef health
  • • Marine turtle monitoring
  • • Fish population dynamics
  • • Mangrove ecosystems
  • • Seagrass habitats
Coastal and Marine Research Centre - Malindi

Coastal & Marine

6 Marine Protected Areas

Montane and Forest Research Centre - King'ong'o

Montane & Forest

King'ong'o, Kakamega, Kitale

ECOSYSTEM 2 HQ: King'ong'o, Nyeri

Montane/Forest Ecosystems Research Center

Addressing understanding, conservation, and sustainable management of montane and forest ecosystems. Multi-location setup with headquarters in King'ong'o, Nyeri, and sub-centers in Kakamega and Kitale covering diverse forest zones.

Locations
  • • King'ong'o (HQ) - Mt Kenya
  • • Kakamega Forest
  • • Kitale - Mt Elgon region
  • • Aberdares coverage
Research Focus
  • • Endemic forest species
  • • Primate populations
  • • Forest bird diversity
  • • Climate impacts
  • • Herbarium collections
ECOSYSTEM 3 Location: Lake Naivasha

Inland Waters & Wetlands Research Centre

Located on the shores of Lake Naivasha, conducting multi-disciplinary research on inland waters and wetland ecosystems and the biodiversity they support. Research informs policies protecting freshwater and wetland resources across Kenya.

Coverage
  • • Lake Naivasha
  • • Lake Nakuru
  • • Lake Baringo
  • • Rift Valley wetlands
  • • Freshwater systems
Research Focus
  • • Water quality monitoring
  • • Flamingo populations
  • • Aquatic biodiversity
  • • Wetland health
  • • Invasive species
Inland Waters and Wetlands Research Centre - Lake Naivasha

Inland Waters & Wetlands

Lake Naivasha Shores

Comprehensive Field Research Network

Strategic presence across all major Kenyan ecosystems

Research Infrastructure
Headquarters
4 Major Centers
Sub-Centers & Field Stations
12+ Locations
National Parks Coverage
8+ Parks
Marine Protected Areas
6 MPAs
Database Integration

All research centers contribute field data directly to the WRTI Wildlife Database, ensuring comprehensive ecosystem coverage and real-time data integration.

Real-time Data Upload Field observations sync directly to central database
Standardized Protocols Consistent data collection across all centers
Quality Assurance Rigorous validation before database integration
Open Access Research data available through public portal

Connect with Our Research Centers

Collaborate, visit, or learn more about our field research activities

Main Contact
Address:
P.O. Box 842-20117, Naivasha, Kenya
Phone:
(+254) 700 000 321 / (+254) 790 699 935
Email:
wrti@wrti.go.ke
Website:
wrti.go.ke
Research Collaboration

Interested in collaborating with WRTI research centers? We welcome partnerships with:

  • Universities and academic institutions
  • Conservation organizations
  • Government agencies
  • International research bodies