January 29, 2026
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) has appointed Dr. Patrick K. Ketiem as its new Director General, succeeding Dr. Eliud Kireger, who concludes an 11-year tenure marked by significant institutional growth and research advancement.
The appointment was announced by the Board Chair, Dr. Thuo Mathenge, who said the leadership transition comes at a pivotal time as KALRO intensifies its focus on climate-resilient agriculture, food security, and research-driven innovation. He acknowledged Dr. Kireger’s contribution in strengthening KALRO’s research systems and innovation pipeline, positioning the organization as a key driver of Kenya’s agricultural development.
Dr. Ketiem brings over 24 years of experience in agricultural engineering, research, and public service. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Institute Director at the Agricultural Mechanization Research Institute (AMRI) and as Chief Principal Research Scientist. His professional expertise spans agricultural mechanization, climate change adaptation, post-harvest management, and agro-processing; areas that are central to Kenya’s agricultural transformation agenda.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Dr. Ketiem called on KALRO staff to embrace teamwork, partnerships, and research excellence as the foundation for achieving meaningful impact. He emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in advancing the organization’s mandate and ensuring that research outputs translate into tangible benefits for farmers and the wider agricultural sector.
He further pledged to strengthen linkages with stakeholders, development partners, and research institutions, underscoring that science and innovation must remain at the forefront of efforts to enhance national food security and promote sustainable agricultural development.
Dr. Mathenge highlighted KALRO’s longstanding contribution to the sector, noting that the organization has developed and commercialized numerous crop varieties, livestock breeds, and farming technologies that are widely adopted by smallholder farmers across the country. These innovations, he said, have played a critical role in improving productivity, resilience, and livelihoods.
He added that Dr. Ketiem’s appointment comes at a strategic moment when KALRO is sharpening its focus on climate resilience, sustainable food systems, and inclusive agricultural transformation.
“On behalf of the Board of Management, we are confident that Dr. Patrick K. Ketiem’s proven leadership, deep scientific expertise, and commitment to impact-driven research will further strengthen KALRO’s position as a leading institution in advancing food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural development for Kenya and beyond,” Dr. Mathenge said.