Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is KALRO?

The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) is a state corporation established under the Crops Act, 2013. Its core mandate is to conduct agricultural and livestock research in Kenya, covering crops, livestock, genetic resources, and biotechnology, with the aim of promoting sustainable agricultural development and national food security.

2. What is KALRO’s mandate?

KALRO’s mandate is to promote, streamline, coordinate, and regulate agricultural research in the country. This includes conducting research, developing appropriate technologies and innovations, coordinating national agricultural research efforts, advising national and county governments on research-related matters, and facilitating the dissemination and adoption of research outputs by farmers and other stakeholders.

3. Where is KALRO headquartered?

KALRO is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. In addition, the organization operates a wide network of research institutes and centres strategically located across different agro-ecological zones to ensure that research solutions are relevant to diverse farming systems.

4. What types of research does KALRO conduct?

KALRO undertakes multidisciplinary research that includes crop improvement and protection, livestock production and health, soil and water management, environmental and climate-smart agriculture, agricultural biotechnology and biosciences, mechanization and engineering, as well as socio-economic and policy-oriented research to support evidence-based decision-making.

5. How does KALRO support farmers?

KALRO supports farmers by developing improved crop varieties and livestock breeds, generating practical farming technologies, and providing technical advisory information. This support is delivered through trainings, demonstrations, field days, agricultural shows, and collaboration with county governments, extension services, and private sector partners.

6. Does KALRO sell seeds and planting materials?

Yes, KALRO produces and avails breeder and foundation seeds, planting materials, and livestock genetic resources. These are supplied through KALRO research centres and licensed partners to ensure quality assurance and wide access by seed companies and farmers.

7. How can farmers access KALRO technologies?

Farmers can access KALRO technologies through its research centres, county agricultural offices, field days, demonstrations, agricultural exhibitions, and licensed seed companies. Information is also shared through KALRO publications, digital platforms, and media engagement.

8. What is KALRO’s role in biotechnology and GMOs?

KALRO conducts biotechnology research, including genetically modified organism (GMO) studies, strictly within the framework of Kenya’s biosafety laws and regulations. Such research is undertaken under confined conditions and only after receiving approval from relevant regulatory authorities to ensure human, animal, and environmental safety.

9. How does KALRO ensure biosafety and environmental protection?

KALRO adheres to nationally and internationally accepted biosafety standards. This involves strict containment measures, continuous monitoring, compliance reporting, and regulatory oversight to safeguard the environment, researchers, farmers, and consumers.

10. Does KALRO work with county governments?

Yes, KALRO works closely with county governments to support agricultural development. This collaboration includes joint research projects, technology transfer, capacity building of extension staff, and support for county-level agricultural priorities.

11. How can institutions or organizations partner with KALRO?

Institutions, development partners, and private sector organizations can partner with KALRO through Memoranda of Understanding, collaborative research agreements, public–private partnerships, consultancies, and innovation platforms aligned with national agricultural priorities.

12. Does KALRO offer training and capacity building?

KALRO offers various training and capacity-building opportunities, including short courses, farmer trainings, internships, industrial attachments, and specialized programs for extension officers, researchers, and other agricultural professionals.

13. How can students or researchers work with KALRO?

Students and researchers can engage with KALRO through internships, attachments, postgraduate research supervision, joint research projects, and collaborative studies conducted at KALRO institutes and centres.

14. How does KALRO disseminate research findings?

KALRO disseminates research findings through scientific publications, policy briefs, field days, demonstrations, agricultural shows, stakeholder workshops, mass media, and digital communication platforms to promote awareness and adoption of innovations.

15. How is KALRO funded?

KALRO is funded through government budgetary allocations, support from development partners, competitive research grants, consultancy services, and internally generated revenue from the sale of products and services.

16. How does KALRO contribute to food and nutrition security?

KALRO contributes to food and nutrition security by developing high-yielding, climate-resilient, and nutritious crop varieties and livestock technologies that enhance productivity, improve incomes, and strengthen livelihoods across the agricultural value chain.

17. Does KALRO provide policy advice?

Yes, KALRO provides evidence-based technical advice and policy support to national and county governments. This input informs agricultural policies, strategies, regulations, and investment decisions.

18. How can the public access KALRO information?

The public can access KALRO information through the organization’s official website, social media platforms, publications, reports, media engagements, and participation in agricultural shows and exhibitions.

19. How can one contact KALRO?

KALRO can be contacted through its headquarters in Nairobi or through regional research centres using official communication channels such as email, telephone, and the organization’s official website.

20. Why is KALRO important to Kenya’s economy?

KALRO plays a vital role in Kenya’s economy by driving agricultural innovation, improving productivity, supporting climate resilience, strengthening food and nutrition security, and contributing to sustainable economic growth.