Coffee Research Institute

The Institute conducts research in all areas of improving production efficiency, quality, and profitability, while promoting environmental sustainability and the overall development of the coffee sector

Batian Coffee

Introduction

The KALRO Coffee Research Institute was established to support and advance Kenya’s coffee sector, a vital part of our agricultural heritage and economy. Our journey began with a commitment to enhancing coffee production and quality while promoting sustainable practices.

Our Mission

At the KALRO Coffee Research Institute, we are dedicated to advancing the coffee industry through innovative research and development. As part of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), our mission is to enhance coffee production, improve quality, and promote sustainable practices that benefit both farmers and consumers.

Our Focus Areas

Our institute conducts research in various areas, including coffee genetics, pest and disease management, agronomy, and post-harvest processing. By collaborating with local and international partners, we aim to address the challenges facing coffee growers and ensure the longevity of this vital sector.

     
                                                                                                                                        Tissue culture green house             Coffee Warehouse                     

Coffee research in Kenya commenced in 1908. In 1944, the colonial government acquired the Jacaranda farm at Ruiru and established the Coffee Research Station. Laboratories were constructed and completed in 1949 funded by the Government. The Coffee Research Foundation (CRF) was established in 1964 under the Company’s Act (Cap 486).

On 1st July 2014, four (4) State Corporations namely; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Tea Research Foundation (TRF), Coffee Research Foundation (CRF), and Kenya Sugar Research Foundation (KESREF) were effectively dissolved and merged to form Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). CRF was consequently transformed into Coffee Research Institute (CRI) as one of the institutes under KALRO.

Vision
To be a leading center of excellence in coffee research and development, driving innovation and sustainability in the coffee sector while promoting Kenya as a global hub for high-quality coffee production.

Mission
To enhance the coffee industry in Kenya through innovative research, sustainable practices, and capacity building, ultimately improving the livelihoods of coffee farmers and ensuring the production of high-quality coffee.

Mandate
“To promote research into and investigate all issues relating to coffee and other agricultural and commercial systems as are associated with coffee and on matters ancillary thereto”
 

   

                     Tissue culture greenhouse                                     Coffee breeding laboratory

 

               Kenya Coffee College Offices                                                  Hostels

Research Areas

1. Crop improvement. Conducts research aimed at developing new coffee varieties that combine disease resistance with improved yields and quality. Batian & Ruiru 11 RUIRU 11


Ruiru 11

2. Biotechnology.

This entails development of propagation protocols in coffee through tissue culture

   

3. Crop production.
Carries out soil fertility management studies, evaluates processing machinery, pesticides residues in soils and the coffee plant tissues


Soil sample collection

Conducts research aimed at identifying and understanding coffee insects pests, developing cost effective methods of pest control, and evaluating the efficacy of new insecticides to determine optimal rates, application methods and timing of spraying

   
Integrated pest management                                            Coffee Under Shade                                    Coffee Berry Disease

4. Post-harvest and Quality Management.

Entails determination of coffee quality parameters
 
Coffee parchment on drying beds

5. Environmental Management.

Carries out adaptive research to establish optimal Agronomic practices such as tree density, establishment methods, inter cropping and development of organic coffee production protocol

6. Socioeconomic.

Conducts studies on the social-economic factors that influences coffee farming and marketing. Also undertakes policy evaluation and analysis of the coffee sector

7. Technology transfer.

Entails the dissemination of information to the end user
Core Functions

  1. Research and Development:
  1. Development of improved Coffee Varieties
  2. Development of integrated insect pests and diseases management practices
  3. Development of soil fertility management practices
  4. Development of Coffee Agronomic Management Practices
  5. Development of Post-harvest Management practices
  6. Analysis of various coffee farming systems in coffee production
  1. Capacity Building: on
  1. Coffee nursery management
  2. Coffee factory management
  3. Farm management
  4. Coffee cupping
  5. Insect pests and diseases management
  6. Organic farming
  7. Sustainable coffee farming
  1. Policy Support:
  • Analysis of impact of various policies
  • Comprehensive integrated upgrade of national coffee statistics
  • Socioeconomic analysis of various farming practices

The Institute has its headquarters at Ruiru in Kiambu County and centres in Thika, Tigoni, Kibos and Matuga.

The Institute collaborates with various national and international organizations, including:

International, National and County government bodies. Namely:

  • KSCAP
  • NAVCDP
  • KCP
  • FAO
  • Solidaridad
  • Rainforest Alliance
  • Cooperative Societies

Achievements and Impact

  • The Research Institute has made significant contributions to Kenya’s agricultural sector, including:
  • Selection of high quality Arabica coffee varieties such as K7, SL28, SL34 and Blue Mountain
  • Development of disease resistant high quality Arabica hybrid cultivars – Ruiru 11
  • Development of pure line disease resistant Arabica cultivar, Batian.
  • Development of fertilizer regimes for various Coffee regions
  • Development of the Cobalt Chloride disc kit for assessing whether to irrigate coffee or not
  • Development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methodologies
  • Development of in-vitro clonal propagation Protocol for Ruiru 11 and Batian
  • Development of pest management strategies for various coffee growing regions
  • Development of an “establishment protocol” for coffee planting.
  • Development of the vegetative propagation (VP) protocol for Ruiru 11 and Batian including grafting, top working and raising of cuttings
  • Increased productivity through high density planting
    1. Research and Development
      • New Cultivar Development: Breeding and selection of coffee varieties that are high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-smart.
      • Agronomic Research: Studies on optimal farming practices, including soil management, irrigation, and fertilization techniques to enhance productivity.
    2. Training and Capacity Building
      • Farmer Training Programs: Hands-on workshops focused on modern coffee farming techniques, pest and disease management, and sustainable practices.
      • Sustainability Workshops: Sessions dedicated to promoting environmentally friendly practices and certification processes.
    3. Consultancy Services
      • Production Optimization: Expert guidance on improving coffee quality and yield through tailored farm management strategies.
      • Market Advisory: Assistance with market trends, pricing strategies, and value addition to enhance profitability.
    4. Laboratory Services
      • Coffee Quality Analysis: Comprehensive testing of coffee beans for flavor profile, aroma, and chemical composition.
      • Soil Testing: Analyzing soil health and nutrient levels to recommend appropriate amendments for optimal coffee growth.
    5. Extension Services
      • Field Support: On-site assistance to help farmers implement research findings and adopt new technologies.
      • Information Dissemination: Regular updates on best practices, pest outbreaks, and market conditions through newsletters and bulletins.
    6. Publications and Resources
      • Research Papers and Reports: Publications on findings from various research projects to share knowledge and insights with the coffee community.
      • Guidelines and Manuals: Practical resources on coffee cultivation, processing, and marketing tailored for farmers and stakeholders.
    7. Collaboration and Partnerships
      • Joint Research Initiatives: Collaborating with universities, NGOs, and private sector organizations to drive innovation in the coffee sector.
      • Community Projects: Engaging in projects aimed at improving livelihoods of coffee farmers and enhancing community resilience.
    8. Coffee Seed and Plant Material
      • High-Quality Seeds and Seedlings: Provision of disease-free and certified coffee seeds and seedlings to ensure better yields.
      • Nursery Support: Guidance on establishing and managing coffee nurseries for sustainable production.

    By offering these services and products, the KALRO Coffee Research Institute aims to support coffee farmers, improve industry standards, and contribute to the sustainable development of the coffee sector. For more information or to access our services, please contact us!

Contact Information

Physical Address: Ruiru

Postal Address: 4-00232

Website: http://www.kalro.org/

Email: director.cri@kalro.org

Official Phone: 0700 756 753 / 0724 527 611 / 0771687826