Citizen Science in Kenya's Freshwater Aquatic Ecosystems Research and Monitoring: Status, Challenges and Prospects

Globally, scientists are increasingly engaging members of the public in research activities. Citizen science approaches are vital in freshwater ecosystems research, monitoring and public education. Citizen science provides an opportunity to engage public in natural ecosystems monitoring and public education, and is a less costly strategy for data collection. However, there are challenges that hinder application of citizen science in freshwater ecosystems monitoring and public education. The role of citizen science in freshwater ecosystems research, monitoring and public education is discussed. Additionally, the challenges and future prospects for citizen science in freshwater ecosystems studies are examined.