Based along the second largest fresh water lake in the world, this center for researchers, tourists and locals is meant to work as a platform for training, innovation and entrepreneurship that will help recruit talent for support of the local authorities goal of conservation and management of the regions living marine resource(s). Geared towards low energy development, focus on the energy efficiency in buildings is not only the way to reduce overall carbon emitted by buildings. What is needed is a greater emphasis on the considerations of the local or urban context of a project. Energy efficiency and renewable generation will at the forefront in fighting climate change across development scales. The building massing is divided into 3 distinct functional areas( research, visitor center, Learning) with regards to privacy levels. Science, core to the project ,is allocated a research wing, a demonstration lab with an outdoor aquaculture ponds and an on-lake lab which also acts as a underwater observatory. The building masses are articulated with courtyards on plan that serve an environmental purpose in the hot-humid climate. Strategies employed to lower the carbon footprint and energy use include use of solar chimneys, sunshading, emphasis of reeds as local construction materials and timber facades. Inspired by the traditional fish trap in the façade design, an innovative system of timber facades inspired by the fish trap are used to protect the scientists working spaces from the intense solar. This leads to much less energy use in the building saving millions of dollars in both material and conventional cooling mechanics. The lakefront as a major opportunity for the institution is weaved together with the land. The lake extension into the building massing helps provide evaporative cooling while giving the scientists a great experience while working. A public promenade is designed along the waterfront with landscaping to enable users to experience the emerging city views and the lake. The end goal is to make a place of well-being, social well-being, economic and material well-being, and a place of sustainability though control of resources used during construction and across its lifetime. The lake region has seen a tremendous growth in the urban centers over the past few decades. The traditional form of vernacular architecture has been overtaken by new buildings -tall structures, using imported materials, modern era buildings done in glass cladding and active systems to cool the buildings. This change in major cities like Kisumu makes buildings environmentally unfriendly, affecting the environment including climate change. Its the primary function of an architect to be at the forefront of protecting the environment by reversing this approach. The industry of choice to explore this is the local fisheries development. Fisheries development is a key goal in the development of the sector in the national economy. In order to improve quality, standards and hence values of fish and fisheries products, research is required to find ways that can address the existing challenges faced by operators.