The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) plays a pivotal role in the agricultural and livestock sectors in Kenya. Established in 2013 through the merger of key research institutes like the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), the Coffee Research Foundation (CRF), the Tea Research Foundation of Kenya (TRF), and the Kenya Sugar Research Foundation (KESREF), KALRO is committed to enhancing agricultural productivity, food security, and the livelihoods of farmers across the country.
With a vast network of semi-autonomous research institutes, centres, and field stations, KALRO is at the forefront of agricultural research in Kenya. This article provides an in-depth look at the KALRO branches, their locations, and the vital work they carry out to support the agricultural community in Kenya.
Overview of KALRO
KALRO’s headquarters is located in Loresho, Nairobi, along Kaptagat Road. It oversees 17 semi-autonomous research institutes and 47 centres spread across the country. These institutes are responsible for conducting vital research that influences agricultural policies and practices in Kenya. The KALRO research institutes work on a variety of agricultural fields, from horticulture and dairy research to biotechnology and livestock management.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the various KALRO research institutes, centres, and field stations across Kenya:
1. Horticulture Research Institute (HRI)
- Headquarters: Thika
- Other Centres:
- Tigoni
- Matuga
- Kibos
The Horticulture Research Institute focuses on improving the productivity of horticultural crops through research on crop management practices, pest control, and post-harvest handling.
2. Apiculture Research Institute (ARI)
- Headquarters: Marigat, Baringo County
- Other Centres:
- Perkera
The Apiculture Research Institute conducts research to improve honey production, bee health, and the overall apiculture industry in Kenya. This includes studies on bee management and sustainable beekeeping.
3. Arid and Range Lands Research Institute (ARLRI)
- Headquarters: Kiboko, Makueni County
This institute focuses on research that supports livestock farmers in the arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya. Key areas of focus include animal husbandry, pasture management, and water conservation.
4. Beef Research Institute (BRI)
- Headquarters: Garissa
- Other Centres:
- Lanet
- Mariakani
- Trans Mara
The Beef Research Institute focuses on improving beef production through genetic research, animal health, and innovative livestock management practices.
5. Biotechnology Research Institute (BioRI)
- Headquarters: Muguga, Kiambu County
This institute conducts cutting-edge research in biotechnology, focusing on genetic improvement of crops and livestock. It also explores the potential of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture.
6. Dairy Research Institute (DRI)
- Headquarters: Naivasha, Nakuru County
- Other Centres:
- Msabaha
- Ol Joro Orok
The Dairy Research Institute is involved in research that seeks to improve milk production, animal health, and sustainable dairy farming practices in Kenya.
7. Food Crops Research Institute (FCRI)
- Headquarters: Kitale, Trans-Nzoia County
- Other Centres:
- Katumani
- Muguga
- Kabete
- Njoro
- Embu
- Kisii
- Alupe
FCRI focuses on improving food crop production, particularly maize, beans, and other staple crops. Its research supports farmers in improving crop yields and dealing with the challenges of climate change.
8. Genetic Resources Research Institute (GeRRI)
- Headquarters: Muguga South, Kiambu County
This institute is dedicated to preserving Kenya’s genetic resources, including the seeds of various crops, livestock breeds, and aquatic species.
9. Industrial Crops Research Institute (ICRI)
- Headquarters: Mtwapa, Kilifi County
ICRI’s research is primarily focused on industrial crops such as cotton, sisal, and coconut. It aims to enhance the value of industrial crops and improve their processing for economic benefit.
10. Miraa Research Institute (MRI)
- Headquarters: Meru County
The Miraa Research Institute focuses on the research and improvement of miraa (khat) production, aiming to boost its productivity, marketability, and address the challenges faced by miraa farmers.
11. Non-Ruminant Research Institute (NRRI)
- Headquarters: Kakamega, Kakamega County
The NRRI focuses on improving the production of non-ruminant animals such as poultry and pigs. Its research spans nutrition, breeding, and animal health.
12. Sheep and Goat Research Institute (SGRI)
- Headquarters: Marsabit County
- Other Centres:
- Buchuma
The SGRI conducts research to improve sheep and goat farming, focusing on aspects such as breeding, nutrition, and disease management.
13. Sugar Research Institute (SRI)
- Headquarters: Kibos, Kisumu County
- Other Centres:
- Opapa
- Mumias
- Mtwapa
- Nyando
- Kikoneni
SRI works on improving the production and processing of sugarcane in Kenya. The institute supports sugarcane farmers by researching better crop management practices, disease control, and sugar processing technologies.
14. Tea Research Institute (TRI)
- Headquarters: Kericho County
- Other Centres:
- Kangaita
The Tea Research Institute focuses on improving tea production through research on better farming practices, pest control, and value addition in the tea industry.
15. Veterinary Research Institute (VSRI)
- Headquarters: Muguga, Kiambu County
- Other Centres:
- Alupe
The Veterinary Research Institute conducts research on animal health, focusing on diseases affecting livestock. It supports efforts to improve livestock productivity through disease prevention and management.
KALRO Contact Details
KALRO has several research institutes and centres across the country. Each has its own contact information for inquiries, partnerships, and support.
- KALRO Headquarters:
- Location: Loresho, Kaptagat Road, Nairobi
- Phone: +254722206986, +254722206988
- Email: info@kalro.org
Research Institutes Contact Information
Here are the contact details for the research institutes:
- Agricultural Mechanization Research Institute (AMRI)
- Phone: +254-020-7843033, +254-710 906 600
- Email: director.amri@kalro.org
- Apiculture Research Institute (ARI)
- Phone: 0773479016/7
- Email: director.ari@kalro.org
- Arid and Range Lands Research Institute (ARLRI)
- Phone: +254 20353 4232
- Email: director.arlri@kalro.org
- Beef Research Institute (BRI)
- Phone: + 020 8044936
- Email: director.bri@kalro.org
- Biotechnology Research Institute (BioRI)
- Email: director.biori@kalro.org
- Coffee Research Institute (CRI)
- Phone: 020 2176420, 020 2176427, 0733 333 060
- Email: director.cri@kalro.org
- Dairy Research Institute (DRI)
- Phone: 020 2390930
- Email: director.dri@kalro.org
- Food Crops Research Institute (FCRI)
- Phone: +254-0203509161
- Email: director.fcri@kalro.org
- Genetic Resources Research Institute (GeRRI)
- Phone: 020 2025539
- Email: director.grri@kalro.org
- Horticulture Research Institute (HRI)
- Phone: 020-2055038
- Email: director.hri@kalro.org
- Industrial Crops Research Institute (ICRI)
- Phone: 0202024751
- Email: director.icri@kalro.org
- Miraa Research Institute (MRI)
- Email: director.mri@kalro.org
- Non-Ruminant Research Institute (NRRI)
- Phone: 020 2619792
- Email: director.nri@kalro.org
- Sheep, Goats and Camels Research Institute (SGCRI)
- Phone: +254692102040
- Email: director.sgri@kalro.org
- Sugar Research Institute (SRI)
- Phone: 0728484800
- Email: director.sri@kalro.org
- Tea Research Institute (TRI)
- Phone: 020-2436584
- Email: director.tri@kalro.org
- Veterinary Research Institute (VRI)
- Phone: +254 712201566
- Email: director.vri@kalro.org
KALRO’s diverse network of research institutes and centres across Kenya plays a crucial role in improving the agricultural, livestock, and food security sectors. Through targeted research and innovation, KALRO provides invaluable support to farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders in the agricultural value chains. Whether it’s improving crop yields, managing pests and diseases, or innovating sustainable farming practices, KALRO remains an integral part of Kenya’s agricultural success.
