Dr. Patrick Ketiem appointed as new KALRO Director General. Learn about his background in agricultural mechanization, research experience, and vision for Kenya’s agricultural transformation.
Nairobi, Kenya – Dr. Patrick Ketiem has been appointed as the new Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), bringing decades of experience in agricultural mechanization and post-harvest technology to Kenya’s premier agricultural research institution.
Who is Dr. Patrick Ketiem?
Dr. Patrick Ketiem comes to the Director General position with an impressive track record in agricultural research and innovation. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Director of the Agricultural Mechanization Research Institute at KALRO Katumani, where he led groundbreaking initiatives in farm mechanization, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable farming technologies.
Educational Background and Expertise
Dr. Ketiem’s expertise spans agricultural mechanization, post-harvest handling, food processing, and climate-resilient agriculture. His leadership in these critical areas has positioned him as one of Kenya’s foremost authorities on agricultural technology and innovation.
Previous Leadership Roles at KALRO
As Director of Agricultural Mechanization at KALRO, Dr. Ketiem demonstrated exceptional leadership by:
- Spearheading integrated pest management strategies for fall armyworm control
- Leading climate-smart agriculture training programs across multiple counties
- Coordinating international research partnerships with organizations like CIMMYT, Purdue University, and USAID
- Championing farmer-centered technology development and dissemination
Dr. Ketiem’s Research Impact and Achievements
Agricultural Mechanization Innovation
Throughout his tenure at KALRO Katumani, Dr. Ketiem has been instrumental in developing and promoting appropriate agricultural mechanization solutions for smallholder farmers. He emphasized that eighty percent of agricultural production in Kenya comes from smallholder farmers, noting KALRO’s role in supporting them by seeking knowledge, developing technology, and ensuring farmers have the right information to improve yields.
Post-Harvest Technology Leadership
Dr. Ketiem has been a key leader in reducing post-harvest losses through innovative technologies. He served as the in-country team leader for the Food Processing and Post-Harvest Handling Innovation Lab (FPIL), a collaboration between KALRO and Purdue University that achieved significant impacts in reducing post-harvest losses, promoting economic growth, and enhancing food security in Kenya.
Climate-Smart Agriculture Advocacy
Dr. Ketiem has consistently emphasized that a strong and responsive extension system is critical for effective and equitable last-mile delivery of agricultural services, technologies and innovations for increased agricultural production. He has led numerous training programs on climate-smart agriculture technologies, including cone gardens for vegetable production and bio-pesticide development using locally available materials.
Strategic Priorities for KALRO Under New Leadership
Strengthening Agricultural Extension Services
Dr. Ketiem has identified extension service delivery as a critical gap in Kenya’s agricultural transformation. He recognizes that while counties are major drivers of agricultural development, declining human resources and low funding have left extension services weak and largely inaccessible to most farmers, contributing to decreased production and increased food insecurity.
Farmer-Centered Research and Innovation
Throughout his career, Dr. Ketiem has championed research that directly addresses farmers’ needs. His approach emphasizes practical solutions, from integrated pest management to climate-resilient crop varieties, ensuring that KALRO’s research translates into tangible benefits for Kenya’s farming communities.
Building Strategic Partnerships
Dr. Ketiem brings extensive experience in international collaboration, having worked with:
- CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) on fall armyworm management and drought-resilient crop systems
- Purdue University through the FPIL on post-harvest handling innovation
- USAID on climate adaptation and food security projects
- Various county governments on agricultural extension and technology dissemination
KALRO’s Critical Role in Kenya’s Agricultural Future
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, established under the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Act of 2013, serves as the government’s principal agricultural research institution. KALRO consolidates Kenya’s research efforts in agriculture and livestock, developing and disseminating appropriate technologies for sustainable agricultural productivity.
Key Research Areas
Under Dr. Ketiem’s leadership, KALRO will continue to focus on:
- Crop Development: Climate-resilient varieties, disease resistance, and improved yields
- Livestock Systems: Animal health, breeding, and sustainable rangeland management
- Biotechnology: Genetic resources and advanced breeding techniques
- Agricultural Mechanization: Appropriate technologies for smallholder farmers
- Post-Harvest Management: Reducing losses and improving food quality
- Climate-Smart Agriculture: Adaptation and mitigation strategies
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Addressing Food Security Concerns
Dr. Ketiem assumes leadership at a critical time when Kenya faces significant food security challenges. Climate variability, pest pressures like fall armyworm, and the need for increased agricultural productivity demand innovative research solutions and rapid technology dissemination.
Institutional Strengthening
The new Director General will focus on strengthening KALRO’s institutional capacity, ensuring that research programs align with national agricultural priorities and that innovations reach farmers effectively through robust extension systems.
Technology Adoption at Scale
One of Dr. Ketiem’s key priorities will be scaling up successful technologies. His experience in farmer field days, demonstration plots, and extension training positions him well to accelerate technology adoption across Kenya’s diverse agricultural zones.
Industry Reactions to the Appointment
The agricultural research community has welcomed Dr. Ketiem’s appointment, citing his proven track record in translating research into practical solutions for farmers. His collaborative approach and commitment to farmer-centered innovation are expected to strengthen KALRO’s impact on Kenya’s agricultural sector.
Support from KALRO Board
Board Chairman Dr. Thuo Mathenge and the KALRO Board are expected to provide strong support for Dr. Ketiem’s strategic initiatives, recognizing the need for visionary leadership to guide Kenya’s agricultural research agenda through emerging challenges.
What This Means for Kenyan Farmers
Improved Access to Technologies
Farmers can expect enhanced access to:
- Climate-resilient seed varieties adapted to local conditions
- Integrated pest management solutions that reduce reliance on chemical pesticides
- Post-harvest technologies that reduce losses and improve market access
- Agricultural mechanization tools appropriate for smallholder farming systems
Stronger Extension Support
Dr. Ketiem’s emphasis on extension services suggests farmers will benefit from improved technical support, training programs, and access to agricultural advisories based on the latest research findings.
Looking Forward: Vision for Agricultural Transformation
Dr. Patrick Ketiem’s appointment as KALRO Director General signals a renewed commitment to practical, farmer-focused agricultural research. His extensive experience in mechanization, post-harvest technology, and climate-smart agriculture, combined with his collaborative approach to research partnerships, positions KALRO to play a transformative role in Kenya’s agricultural development.
As Kenya grapples with climate change, food security concerns, and the need for sustainable agricultural intensification, Dr. Ketiem’s leadership will be crucial in ensuring that KALRO’s research delivers tangible solutions that improve farmers’ livelihoods and contribute to national food security.
About KALRO
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) is Kenya’s national agricultural research institution, established to consolidate agricultural research, promote innovation, and support sustainable agricultural development. KALRO operates through multiple research institutes across the country, conducting research in crops, livestock, genetic resources, and biotechnology.
Contact Information:
- Headquarters: Kaptagat Road, Loresho, Nairobi
- P.O. Box: 57811-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
- Phone: +254 722 206 986 | 0111 010 100
- Website: www.kalro.org
Related Topics: KALRO research programs, agricultural innovation Kenya, climate-smart agriculture, agricultural mechanization, post-harvest technology, Kenya agricultural policy, food security Kenya, Dr. Eliud Kireger, KALRO Katumani, agricultural extension services
Tags: #KALRO #DrPatrickKetiem #KenyaAgriculture #AgriculturalResearch #FoodSecurity #ClimateSmartAg #AgriculturalMechanization #KenyanFarmers #AgTech #HortiNews