The Kiboko Research Station in Makueni County, Kenya, has undergone a $2.5 million upgrade, transforming it into a leading hub for agricultural research and innovation. Funded by Germany through the Crops to End Hunger (CtEH) program, the modernization aims to enhance research on drought-resistant and climate-resilient crops, ensuring that farmers across East Africa benefit from high-quality seeds and improved farming practices.
For over three decades, Kiboko has played a critical role in maize breeding, focusing on drought tolerance, nitrogen efficiency, and pest resistance. However, ageing infrastructure had begun to limit its potential. The recent upgrades have revitalized the facility, equipping it with modern seed processing and storage systems, precision farming equipment, advanced irrigation technology, and digital tools for efficient data management.
Among the most significant improvements is the installation of state-of-the-art seed dryers, which can reduce moisture content from 30% to 12% in just a few days. This allows researchers to conduct multiple crop cycles per year, accelerating the breeding process. Additionally, drip irrigation systems have been introduced, enabling scientists to test drought-resistant crops under controlled conditions. The integration of high-precision planters and harvesters has further mechanized operations, improving efficiency while reducing manual labour.
One of the most groundbreaking additions is the Haploid/Diploid Sorter, a sophisticated piece of technology that shortens the seed-sorting process from an entire day to just 30 minutes. This innovation is expected to streamline breeding efforts and enhance productivity. Furthermore, the adoption of the Enterprise Breeding System, developed by Breeding Resources, has revolutionized data collection and analysis, ensuring greater precision in crop improvement programs.
The impact of these advancements is already evident. At the station’s Doubled Haploid (DH) facility, the seedling survival rate has increased to 90%, significantly lowering production costs while improving output. Kiboko is now poised to offer DH breeding services to researchers across the region, reinforcing its position as a centre of excellence in agricultural science.
Beyond Kenya, Kiboko’s research has had a profound effect on food security in sub-Saharan Africa. The station’s work in developing drought-tolerant maize varieties has led to a remarkable rise in adoption, with the area under cultivation expanding from 0.5 million hectares in 2010 to 8.5 million hectares today. Farmers in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, and other African nations have directly benefited from these advancements.
In addition to boosting crop resilience, Kiboko has played a crucial role in combating major agricultural threats. The station’s expertise in pest resistance research has led to the release of three maize hybrids resistant to fall armyworm, helping farmers in Kenya, South Sudan, Ghana, and beyond. Furthermore, it has produced maize varieties resistant to maize lethal necrosis, a disease that has severely impacted food production in Africa.
According to CIMMYT Africa Regional Director, Moses Siambi, the station’s contributions extend far beyond Kenya. “The products developed here benefit not just Kenya, but the entire continent. This is agricultural research with a direct, measurable impact on food security and rural livelihoods,” he stated.
Despite these technological breakthroughs, stakeholders emphasized that ensuring farmers can access and adopt these innovations remains a priority. KALRO Board Chairman, Dr. Thuo Mathenge, called for greater grassroots engagement, urging researchers to implement demonstration plots and farmer training programs to accelerate the adoption of new seed varieties.
KALRO Director General, Dr. Eliud Kireger, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of improving seed distribution networks. “Kenya has excellent breeders, processors, and distribution systems, but we need stronger facilities to support the research that underpins seed quality,” he noted.
With its modernized infrastructure and renewed commitment to farmer engagement, the Kiboko Research Station is now better equipped than ever to drive agricultural research and innovation in East Africa.
Article by Jed Mwangi
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