KALRO Board inaugurated as agriculture sector pushes digital growth

KENYA – Kenya’s agriculture research agenda took a major step forward as Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe inaugurated the new Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Board, while also highlighting fresh investments in digital technologies and farmer training.

Driving research and innovation

Speaking during the inauguration, Kagwe praised KALRO for its contribution to Kenya’s food security through research, crop development, and climate-smart technologies.

He pointed to the body’s success in breeding drought-resistant crops and advancing farming practices that support both productivity and resilience.

“Agriculture remains a central pillar of the Government’s agenda,” Kagwe said. “KALRO must evolve from a national institution into a continental leader in agricultural innovation.”

The CS emphasized that reaching this ambition requires attracting top talent, giving staff room for career growth, and embedding digital technologies across KALRO’s work.

He assured the board that the government would strengthen support through more funding, stronger partnerships, and policy backing.

Kagwe also recognized Dr. Eliud Kireger, who retired after 11 years as Director General, praising his “transformative leadership.” He challenged the new team under Board Chair Dr. Thuo Mathenge Wa-Nguku to “boldly contribute to creating a resilient, modern, and inclusive agricultural sector that benefits every Kenyan household.”

Training academy for fresh produce

In a related development, the Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPC Kenya) launched a new training academy in Gatanga, Murang’a County. The academy will equip farmers and value chain players with both technical and business skills to raise yields, improve produce quality, and grow exports.

FPC Kenya Chief Executive Officer Okigere Ojepat described the initiative as overdue but timely. “We believe that this academy is long overdue and what we needed to do should have been done long ago,” Ojepat said.

“But now we are going to do it in collaboration with KALRO. We are going to have practical centers, trial sites, seedlings, and ensure that things work very well. Nobody within this value chain will have a reason not to do the right thing.”

The avocado sector will receive special attention due to growing disease challenges and trade disputes. Wanjohi Munyui, chairperson of the National Avocado Aggregators, said, “We believe that we are going to be educated and the education that we are going to get will trickle down to the farmers. We have a problem of avocado disease which we are calling upon KEPHIS, which is the mandated body of the country, to look on how we are going to spray that disease.”

Sharon Wanjiku, Secretary General of the National Avocado Aggregators, added, “This is a very critical industry. It’s an emerging industry and a very fast growing industry. So we encourage that the government will come on board with us and collaborate especially with the existing BMOs in the industry and ensure that we make this industry as sustainable as it can.”

Kenya’s avocado exports earned 159 million dollars in 2024, up 11 percent from 2023. Italy remained the top market, importing produce worth 1.4 billion shillings, while China and Japan continued to increase their demand.

Projections show exports to Italy will rise by about 3 percent annually over the next five years.

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