Nairobi: The Kenya Agricultural Livestock and Research Organisation (KALRO) has announced the introduction of seven new soya bean varieties as part of efforts to enhance food security in the country. The initiative comes ahead of the rainy season and aims to provide farmers with seeds that can thrive in the country's varied climatic conditions.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Eliud Kireger, the Director General of KALRO, stated that approximately 40 metric tonnes of seeds have been produced and are ready for distribution to farmers. The organization plans to increase production to over 400,000 metric tonnes, contingent on the uptake by farmers. Speaking at an agricultural expo in Kandara, Murang'a County, Dr. Kireger highlighted the potential of soya bean production to aid in the manufacture of animal feeds and cooking oil, both of which are dependent on soybeans or sunflowers.
Dr. Kireger noted that the high cost of animal feed, which is primarily composed of expensive protein sources, could be mitigated by increased soya bean production. He also mentioned that enhancing local production of soya beans could lead to a reduction in the cost of cooking oil, a significant expense for the country, which imported Sh117 billion worth of cooking oil last year. Efforts are underway to establish a robust soya seed management system through irrigation to ensure a steady supply of certified seeds.
KALRO Chairman Thuo Mathenge announced an ambitious government initiative targeting 24 counties, aiming to engage 200,000 youth by allocating idle government land for farming activities, including soya bean cultivation. Local leaders, including Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, expressed optimism about the future of agriculture in Kenya, emphasizing the importance of proper inputs and support for achieving food security. Muriu highlighted the drought-tolerant SB19 variety, which matures in three months and yields between 800 to 1,000 kilogrammes per acre, translating to approximately Sh180,000 per harvest.
Kiambu Deputy Governor Rosemary Kirika voiced her support for introducing soya bean farming across Kiambu County, citing the region's favourable climate for cultivation. Kirika encouraged farmers to view agriculture as a commercial venture capable of generating wealth and improving livelihoods. She stressed the importance of using certified seeds, like the SB19 variety, which offer consistent quality, higher yields, and resilience to drought, crucial factors in climate change adaptation. Kirika also urged farmers to plant early to capitalize on the expected long rains.