“The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) was established under the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Act of 2013 to provide a robust legal and institutional framework for the coordination and advancement of agricultural research in the country. KALRO was formed as part of the Kenya Government’s efforts to restructure the National Agricultural Research System, ensuring a dynamic, innovative, and well-coordinated approach to agricultural and livestock research.

In alignment with Kenya’s Vision 2030, which underscores the critical role of research in technology generation and knowledge creation for national development, KALRO is committed to driving agricultural transformation. Vision 2030 emphasizes value addition in agriculture and livestock to enhance rural household incomes, a priority further reinforced by the Agricultural Sector Development Strategy (ASDS) 2010-2020. Through its research and innovation initiatives, KALRO supports the implementation of the second medium-term plan by developing and promoting technologies that improve productivity, sustainability, and resilience in the agricultural sector, thereby contributing to food security and economic growth.”

While striving to fulfill the stated goals, KALRO will be obliged to:

1. Formulate policy and make policy recommendations to the Cabinet Secretary on agricultural research.
2. Prioritize areas for, and co-ordinate, agricultural research in Kenya in line with the national policy on agriculture.
3. Determine and advise the Government on the resource requirements for agricultural research in Kenya both at the national and county level.
4. Regulate, monitor and ensure that all agricultural research undertaken by research institutes and other institutions or persons undertaking agricultural research is consistent with the national priorities specified in the relevant policy documents.
5. Establish and exercise control over the research institutes, committees and research centres established pursuant to this Act.
6. Formulate or approve medium and long term research plans, strategies and budgets of research institutes, committees and organization’s established pursuant to this Act.
7. Provide grants to research institutes and persons desirous of carrying out research and training programs which are consistent with the national research priorities and plans of the Organization.
8. Support and promote the training and capacity building in relation to agricultural research.
9. Promote the dissemination and application of research findings in the field of agriculture and the establishment of a Science Park.
10. Liaise with and ensure the co-ordination of institutions, agencies and persons involved in agricultural research.
11. Establish platforms for the purposes sharing of research information, advancing research and transfer of technology and dissemination of information relating to advancements made in agricultural research.
12. Ensure continuance of performance improvement in the field of agricultural research.
13. Perform such other functions as may be conferred on it by this Act or any other written law.For more information on KALRO please refer to Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Act No 17 of 2013