Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization plays a central role in strengthening Kenya’s agricultural sector through research, innovation, and technology transfer. The organization supports farmers, agribusinesses, and policymakers by developing science-based solutions tailored to Kenya’s diverse agro-ecological zones.
KALRO operates a nationwide network of specialized research institutes, each focusing on specific crops, livestock systems, or ecological regions. These institutes work on improving productivity, resilience to climate change, food security, and sustainable farming practices.
Below is a comprehensive and updated list of KALRO institutes in Kenya, including their main locations and core research mandates.
List of KALRO Institutes and Their Locations
Horticulture Research Institute
Locations: Thika (Headquarters), Tigoni, Matuga, Kibos
Focus: Research on fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and horticultural crop value chains to improve yields and quality.
Apiculture Research Institute
Locations: Marigat (Headquarters), Perkera, Lenana Training Centre (Nairobi)
Focus: Advancing beekeeping technologies, honey production, and pollination services.
Arid and Rangelands Research Institute
Location: Kiboko (Headquarters)
Focus: Sustainable land use, livestock systems, and livelihoods in arid and semi-arid regions.
Beef Research Institute
Locations: Lanet, Mariakani, Garissa (Headquarters), Trans Mara
Focus: Beef cattle breeding, nutrition, pasture management, and climate-smart livestock systems.
Biotechnology Research Institute
Location: Muguga (Headquarters)
Focus: Genetic improvement, molecular biology, and biotechnology applications in agriculture.
Dairy Research Institute
Locations: Naivasha (Headquarters), Msabaha, Ol Joro Orok
Focus: Enhancing dairy productivity, animal health, feeds, and milk quality.
Food Crops Research Institute
Locations: Kitale (Headquarters), Katumani, Muguga, Kabete, Njoro, Embu, Kisii, Alupe
Focus: Research on staple food crops including maize, beans, sorghum, and climate-resilient varieties.
Genetic Resources Research Centre
Location: Muguga (Headquarters)
Focus: Conservation, characterization, and utilization of plant and animal genetic resources.
Industrial Crops Research Institute
Locations: Mwea-Tabere, Molo, Mtwapa
Focus: Research on industrial crops such as cotton, pyrethrum, oil crops, and fibers.
Non-Ruminant Research Institute
Location: Kakamega (Headquarters)
Focus: Poultry, pig, and rabbit production systems, feeds, and disease management.
Sheep and Goat Research Institute
Locations: Marsabit (Headquarters), Buchuma
Focus: Breeding, nutrition, and management of small ruminants in dryland areas.
Veterinary Research Institute
Locations: Muguga (Headquarters), Alupe
Focus: Animal health, disease surveillance, vaccines, and diagnostics.
Tea Research Institute
Locations: Kericho (Headquarters), Kangaita
Focus: Improving tea productivity, quality, and sustainable tea farming practices.
Sugar Research Institute
Locations: Kibos (Headquarters), Opapa, Mumias, Mtwapa, Nyando, Kikoneni
Focus: Innovation in sugarcane production, processing efficiency, and value addition.
Coffee Research Institute
Locations: Ruiru (Headquarters), Mariene, Namwela, Kisii, Kitale, Koru, Azania
Focus: Coffee breeding, agronomy, processing technologies, and market competitiveness.
Miraa Research Institute
Location: Meru
Focus: Research on sustainable miraa production, quality improvement, and market systems.
Through these institutes, KALRO continues to provide practical scientific solutions that support Kenya’s farmers, enhance food security, and promote sustainable agricultural growth nationwide.
