Limuru, Kiambu, April 3, 2025 by Miriam Wangui
Farmers in Limuru, Kiambu County and beyond, can now breathe a sigh of relief following the official launch of the Mkulima Shop at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Potato Research Centre. The newly inaugurated outlet is set to be a one-stop hub for farmers seeking clean, certified, and high-quality planting materials, marking a significant milestone in KALRO’s effort at promoting farmer access to certified seed.
The launch event, held on April 3, 2025, was presided over by Dr. Felister Makini, KALRO’s Deputy Director General in charge of Crops. She was joined by Mr. Robert Musyoki, Director of KALRO Seeds, and hosted by the Centre Director, Dr. Moses Nyongesa.
Launch of KALRO Tigoni Mkulima shop |Photo courtesy of Miriam Wangui.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Nyongesa emphasized the Centre’s commitment to enhancing food security through the provision of reliable certified planting material to local farmers. Attendees were later taken on a tour of the facility, which showcased the Centre’s progress in potato research and seed development.
Dr. Makini, who officially opened the Mkulima Shop and commended the Potato Research Centre, KALRO Tigoni for its innovations and active role in the potato industry. She highlighted the apical cutting technology used in potato propagation as a game-changer in the industry. “This technology ensures higher yields and quality seed production and it’s my hope famers can get all KALRO products from this shop,” she highlighted. Dr. Makini also lauded the center’s efforts to produce in-house planting materials that is readily available to the farmers.
The shop has been well stocked with a diverse range of certified planting materials aimed at boosting the region’s agricultural productivity. These include:
- Fruit seedlings: Loquats, white sapote, purple passion fruit, sweet lemon, tree tomato, and several avocado varieties.
- Timber and ornamental trees: Including cypress tree seedlings.
- Potato seed varieties: Shangi, Unica, Tigoni, Dutch Robijn, Kenya Karibu, and Sherekea
- Other crops: KALRO-certified maize seeds and bean varieties such as Nyota, which is known for its drought tolerance and nutritional benefits.
Inside the KALRO Tigoni Mkulima Shop / Picture by Miriam Wangui
The Mkulima Shop is strategically located at the Potato Research, KALRO Tigoni, making it easily accessible to farmers from across Kiambu and neighboring counties. It serves not only as a sales point but also as an extension platform, where farmers can access knowledge, interact with experts, and receive guidance on best agronomic practices.
With this initiative, KALRO continues to position itself at the forefront of agricultural innovation, bridging the gap between research and practical application on Kenyan farms. The launch of the Mkulima Shop represents a major stride toward enhancing agricultural sustainability, boosting food security, and improving livelihoods for smallholder farmers across the region
