Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization plays a central role in strengthening Kenya’s agricultural and livestock sectors through science-led research and innovation. Commonly known as KALRO, the institution operates a nationwide network of specialized research institutes dedicated to crops, livestock, biotechnology, and natural resource management.
Established to unify agricultural research in Kenya, KALRO supports farmers, agribusinesses, and policymakers by developing improved crop varieties, resilient livestock breeds, and sustainable farming technologies. Its institutes are strategically located across diverse ecological zones to ensure research solutions reflect real farming conditions.
Below is a comprehensive and updated list of KALRO branches in Kenya, including their locations and core research mandates.
List of KALRO Institutes and Their Locations
Horticulture Research Institute
Location: Thika (Headquarters), Tigoni, Matuga, Kibos
Research Focus: Improvement of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and horticultural crop value chains to boost productivity and quality.
Apiculture Research Institute
Location: Marigat (Headquarters), Perkera, Lenana Training Centre (Nairobi)
Research Focus: Advancement of beekeeping technologies, honey production, and pollination services.
Arid and Rangelands Research Institute
Location: Kiboko (Headquarters)
Research Focus: Sustainable land use, climate adaptation, and livelihoods in arid and semi-arid regions.
Beef Research Institute
Location: Garissa (Headquarters), Lanet, Mariakani, Trans Mara
Research Focus: Beef cattle breeding, nutrition, pasture development, and rangeland management.
Biotechnology Research Institute
Location: Muguga (Headquarters)
Research Focus: Application of biotechnology and genetic engineering to improve crop and livestock productivity.
Dairy Research Institute
Location: Naivasha (Headquarters), Ol Joro Orok, Msabaha
Research Focus: Dairy cattle breeding, feed development, milk quality, and farm management systems.
Food Crops Research Institute
Location: Kitale (Headquarters), Katumani, Muguga, Kabete, Njoro, Embu, Kisii, Alupe
Research Focus: Development of improved varieties and technologies for maize, beans, sorghum, millet, and other food crops.
Genetic Resources Research Centre
Location: Muguga (Headquarters)
Research Focus: Conservation, characterization, and utilization of plant and animal genetic resources.
Industrial Crops Research Institute
Location: Mwea-Tabere, Mtwapa, Molo
Research Focus: Research on cotton, pyrethrum, oil crops, and other industrial crops.
Non-Ruminant Research Institute
Location: Kakamega (Headquarters)
Research Focus: Poultry, pigs, rabbits, and other non-ruminant livestock production systems.
Sheep and Goat Research Institute
Location: Marsabit (Headquarters), Buchuma
Research Focus: Breeding, feeding, and disease control for sheep and goats in pastoral and mixed systems.
Veterinary Research Institute
Location: Muguga (Headquarters), Alupe
Research Focus: Animal health, disease surveillance, diagnostics, and vaccine development.
Tea Research Institute
Location: Kericho (Headquarters), Kangaita
Research Focus: Tea breeding, agronomy, processing quality, and sustainability.
Sugar Research Institute
Location: Kibos (Headquarters), Mumias, Opapa, Nyando, Kikoneni, Mtwapa
Research Focus: Sugarcane breeding, agronomy, mechanization, and industry efficiency.
Coffee Research Institute
Location: Ruiru (Headquarters), Mariene, Kisii, Kitale, Koru, Namwela, Azania
Research Focus: Coffee variety development, pest and disease control, processing, and market competitiveness.
Miraa Research Institute
Location: Meru
Research Focus: Sustainable production, quality improvement, and value addition for miraa farming.
Through this wide network of institutes, KALRO continues to deliver research-driven solutions that enhance food security, climate resilience, and agricultural commercialization across Kenya.
