Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization Non-ruminant Research Institute 2022 Annual Report

Abstract

The Non-Ruminant Research Institute (NRI) is one of the institutes established under the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Act No. 17 of 2013. Its primary objective is to conduct research and offer technical support across the non-ruminant value chain. The main goal of the NRI is to generate appropriate Technologies, Innovations, And Management Practices (TIMPs) that contribute to the sustainability and productivity of the non-ruminant sector. Focused on driving sustainable innovations and cost-effective TIMPs, the NRI aims to enhance the productivity of the non ruminant value chain. This strategic approach is designed to improve the quality of life, and promote equity and wealth creation. The NRI operates two Centres located in Kakamega (headquarters) and Naivasha with additional satellite centres strategically positioned in Msabaha, Mtwapa, Katumani, and Kisii for the future expansion of its activities. Kakamega Research Centre (KALRO Kakamega) is has the mandate to conduct basic, applied and adaptive research on non-ruminants. The centre is committed to achieving enhanced productivity, competitiveness, and improved livelihoods within the non-ruminant sector. Currently, the centre is organized around four thematic research programs, each contributing to the overall realization of its mission: i) Poultry germplasm development, genetic improvement, and multiplication; ii) Piggery germplasm development, genetic improvement and multiplication; iii) Feeds and nutrition research iii) Socioeconomics, policy development, outreach and partnership. In order to address the needs of our stakeholders wholesomely, 80% of the centre’s research and development activities are concentrated around other agricultural value chains such as crops (maize, beans, sweetpotato, cassava, sorghum, rice, finger millet, sorghum), oil crops (soybean, groundnuts), horticulture (fruits and vegetables), forage (Napier, Brachiaria, Guatemala, Panicum), KALRO seed, Natural Resources Management (soil and water management, climate change mitigation), and postharvest management. This annual report is a summary of the Centre’s achievements over a period of one year, and I hope that this will form a basis of disseminating our TIMPs to a wider space. We thank the Director General, KALRO, the National and County Governments, and various donors for supporting the centre in realizing the needs of value chain actors in its mandated areas. We appreciate the staff at NRI Kakamega for working hard during the year to realize these milestones.