NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) has taken a significant step toward strengthening agricultural research collaboration with China after hosting a high-level delegation from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) at its Horticulture Research Institute (HRI) in Kandara.
The delegation, led by CAAS Deputy Director General for the Department of International Cooperation, Professor Liu Wende, visited the institute to assess the proposed site for the establishment of the China–Kenya Agricultural Research Centre, a joint initiative aimed at enhancing scientific collaboration, innovation and technology transfer between the two countries.
The team was received by KALRO-HRI Institute Director Dr. Joseph Njuguna, Head of Crop Health Dr. Thuranira and members of the institute’s Corporate Communications team.
During the discussions, the two institutions explored opportunities for long-term research partnerships, capacity building and infrastructure development to enhance agricultural research and improve productivity across key value chains.
Dr. Njuguna highlighted the proposed KALRO-HRI Agri-Park as a strategic project that will promote research, innovation, technology transfer and agribusiness development while opening the institute to greater public engagement. He also cited the institute’s strategic location along the Thika Superhighway and the availability of sufficient land as key advantages for future collaborative research programmes.
The visit marks another milestone in the growing agricultural partnership between Kenya and China, with both countries seeking to leverage scientific research to address food security challenges and promote sustainable agricultural development.
As part of the ongoing engagements, KALRO-HRI is expected to host another Chinese delegation on Sunday, July 26, led by the Director General of the China National Rice Research Institute (CNRRI).
The delegation will assess the proposed site for a Joint Rice Research Base aimed at strengthening research on rice production and improving food security.
KALRO said the engagements reaffirm its commitment to building strategic international partnerships that advance agricultural innovation, strengthen research institutions and contribute to sustainable food systems in Kenya and across the region.