KALRO expands certified seed access with New Mkulima Shop in Kericho

The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), through its Tea Research Institute (TRI), marked International Tea Day with the official launch of its 15th Mkulima Shop in Kericho, aimed at improving farmers’ access to certified seeds, seedlings, and eco-friendly agricultural technologies.

The Mkulima Shop will serve as a one-stop outlet for KALRO products and services, reinforcing the agency’s mission to provide region-specific, research-based solutions to smallholder farmers.

The launch aligns with the global theme of Harnessing Climate-Resilient Practices in Tea Production.

KALRO Deputy Director General for Crops, Dr. Felister Makini, presided over the event and announced that a digital platform would be launched later this year to expand farmers’ access to inputs, technical support, and market linkages.

“Mkulima Shops are central to empowering farmers by delivering certified seeds and technologies where they are needed most. The upcoming digital platform will take this access even further,” Dr. Makini said.

The celebrations included a tour of the TRI Cottage Factory, a tree-planting ceremony, and demonstrations of the institute’s innovations such as cultural pest control methods and custom fertilizer formulations, designed to support sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.

KALRO Seeds Director Robert Musyoki who also graced the event emphasized that the Kericho shop was part of a broader effort to decentralize the distribution of certified seeds and inputs.

“We now have Mkulima Shops operating in 15 counties. These outlets are strategically located to meet regional needs and improve the flow of innovation from lab to land,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tea Research Institute Director Ms. Lilian Kerio called on farmers and investors to embrace value addition in tea through diversification into specialty products such as purple tea, kombucha, fortified beverages, and non-consumable tea-based items like shampoo and detergents.

“These innovations expand income streams and enhance Kenya’s competitiveness globally,” she noted.

Stakeholders at the event expressed confidence that through research, digitization, and wider access to certified inputs, the sector is well-positioned to adapt to global climate and market challenges, noting that Kenya’s tea sector, employing over 600,000 smallholder farmers, is a cornerstone of the economy.

By Kibe Mburu and Joyce Jepkosgei