KALRO Launches Nationwide Coffee Farming Initiative to Boost Production by 2027
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) has launched an ambitious national coffee planting campaign aimed at increasing coffee seed production in Kenya. The initiative is set to triple the country’s coffee seed output from 5,000 kg to 15,000 kg by the year 2027/28. This move is part of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity to stimulate revenue growth and improve livelihoods.
Speaking at the 3rd KALRO-CRI Open Week during the Ruiru Coffee Fair at the Coffee Research Institute Jacaranda, KALRO’s Deputy Director of Crop Services, Dr. Felister Makini, highlighted the campaign’s objectives. “Advancing agricultural innovation for resilient food systems and sustainable livelihoods” is the central theme for this year, which underscores the importance of modernizing coffee farming practices for long-term sustainability.
KALRO is aiming to increase the availability of high-quality coffee seeds, particularly for the highly sought-after Ruiru 11, Batian, and traditional coffee varieties like SL28, SL34, and K7. Dr. Elijah Gichuru, the Coffee Research Institute Director, emphasized the need for collaboration with stakeholders and partners in the tissue culture sector to support high-output seed production and grafting activities.
The initiative aligns with Kenya’s commitment to boosting coffee production, which is a critical pillar of the country’s agricultural economy. Coffee is Kenya’s fifth-largest foreign exchange earner and a major source of income for nearly 5 million Kenyans, contributing around 0.3% to the nation’s GDP.
KALRO’s efforts also support the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which recognizes coffee as a strategic commodity for the continent’s economic development. Additionally, KALRO’s partnership with the National Government and the World Bank through the National Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) has already trained 129 County Agriculture Extension Officers across 16 counties to provide training and advisory services to coffee farmers.
In 2022/23, Kenya’s coffee production reached 47,957 metric tons of clean coffee, valued at Sh34.11 billion. This new national campaign aims to significantly increase production to meet the growing demand for Kenyan coffee both locally and internationally.
KALRO’s push for higher seed production, alongside new technologies and improved farming practices, aims to position Kenya as a leading coffee producer globally.
KALRO Launches Nationwide Coffee Farming Initiative to Boost Production by 2027