KALRO recently marked a significant milestone in its mission to empower smallholder farmers by opening its 15th Mkulima Shop in Kericho.
The launch, which coincided with International Tea Day, was hosted at the Tea Research Institute (TRI) and highlighted Kenya’s growing emphasis on climate-resilient and science-driven agriculture.
The Mkulima Shop, a one-stop agricultural outlet, offers certified seeds, seedlings, pest control solutions, and tailored technologies designed to meet the specific needs of farmers in the region.
This initiative reflects KALRO’s commitment to bridging the gap between agricultural research and practical solutions accessible to farmers at the grassroots level.
Dr. Felister Makini, KALRO Deputy Director General for Crops, emphasized that the Mkulima Shops are not only physical outlets but also critical access points for certified inputs and proven technologies.
She noted that the upcoming launch of a digital platform would further extend access to agricultural innovations across the country, allowing farmers to make orders remotely, receive expert advice, and access services from anywhere.
The platform is expected to roll out later this year and aligns with this year’s International Tea Day theme, “Harnessing Climate-Resilient Practices in Tea Production,” underlining the urgency of adopting sustainable practices in the face of climate change.
During the launch event, farmers had the opportunity to explore TRI’s innovations through demonstrations and a tour of the TRI Cottage Factory.
They witnessed firsthand the practical applications of research, including custom fertilizer blends suited to local soil types, cultural pest control techniques that reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals, and the availability of climate-resilient seedlings.
Robert Musyoki, Director of KALRO Seeds, noted that the expansion of Mkulima Shops across 15 counties represents a strategic effort to ensure that every region benefits from localized agricultural solutions tailored to its unique conditions.
The Kericho outlet is particularly significant for tea farmers, a demographic that forms a substantial portion of the county’s agricultural community.
The Tea Research Institute has been instrumental in developing region-specific interventions, and the shop now offers these technologies directly to farmers.
The initiative ensures that the products and knowledge emerging from KALRO’s research efforts are not confined to laboratories but are effectively deployed in the field, enhancing productivity and sustainability.
Beyond improving access to inputs, KALRO is also championing value addition within the tea sector.
TRI Director Lilian Kerio encouraged farmers to diversify into innovative tea-based products such as purple tea, kombucha, health beverages, and even personal care items like shampoos and detergents.
She highlighted the importance of exploring niche markets that can elevate incomes and enhance the competitiveness of Kenyan tea products globally.
This move towards value addition not only opens up new economic opportunities but also aligns with shifting consumer preferences towards wellness and sustainable products.
The launch of the Kericho Mkulima Shop is more than an infrastructural addition, it symbolizes a strategic shift in how agricultural research institutions engage with farmers.
KALRO is creating a holistic ecosystem that merges research, practical implementation, digital accessibility, and economic diversification.
As Kenya’s agriculture faces increasing pressure from climate variability, rising input costs, and market competition, initiatives like Mkulima Shops provide a replicable and impactful model for empowering farmers and transforming rural economies.
By decentralizing access to quality inputs and research-driven solutions, KALRO is not just changing how farming is done, it is redefining what is possible for smallholder farmers.
With each new shop and upcoming digital innovations, the organization continues to sow the seeds of resilience, growth, and prosperity across Kenya’s agricultural landscape.
