The Kenya Fisheries Service fish laboratory department was established with an aim of providing laboratory services through examination and testing of fish, water, sediments, fish feeds for chemical, parasites and contaminants. The fish laboratory is one of the departments under the directorate of Fish Quality Safety and Trade (DFS&T) equipped with state of the art equipments  such as Biosafety cabinets, freeze dryers, autoclaves among others. It supports the KeFS mandate by implementing a management system in accordance with ISO 17025 to ensure compliance with fish safety and quality requirements.

The Department of Fish Laboratories has three (3) Divisions in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu regions:

(i) Microbiology laboratory

This lab performs analysis of microbes in fish, water, sediments, and fish feeds through culturing, examination, and identification of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp, and other microbiological parameters.

(ii) Chemical laboratory

This lab evaluates the quality and safety of fish, water, and fish feeds such as pesticide residues, heavy metals and contaminants, and other biochemical parameters.

(iii) Sensory laboratory

This lab performs an analysis of the properties of texture, flavor, taste, appearance, and smell of fish and fishery products through the senses of sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing.