A joint Kenya-China agricultural laboratory has successfully bred over two dozen superior crop varieties in the past five years, significantly enhancing food security for farmers across Kenya. Established in 2019 at Egerton University, the Kenya-China Joint Laboratory for Crop Molecular Biology has utilized molecular breeding techniques to develop 25 crop varieties, 18 of which have been commercialized.
Experts involved in the project highlight that the newly developed crops are more disease-resistant and produce higher yields than traditional varieties. Once the seeds are developed, they are taken to the Agro-Science Park at Egerton University for seed bulking and commercialization. Among the improved seeds are five bean varieties, three of which have already been introduced to the market and have garnered significant attention from farmers due to their desirable properties, including early maturity.
One of the most popular bean varieties is ‘chelalang,’ a name meaning a kind and beautiful young woman highly prized as a bride in a local dialect. Paul Kimurto, Director of the Agro-Science Park, noted that ‘chelalang,’ which was introduced to the market in 2016, can yield up to 25 bags or 2.25 metric tonnes per hectare. Anna Wanjiku, a farmer in Matangi Tisa village in Nakuru County, testified to the superiority of the new bean varieties, stating that despite heavy rains in August, the ‘chelalang’ and another variety called ‘tatton’ withstood dry conditions and performed better than traditional beans.
Hillary Chelal, a research assistant at Egerton University, emphasized that ‘tatton’ beans have more pods, self-stripping leaves for easier harvesting, and can grow at medium and high altitudes, making them popular with canners. In partnership with Kilimo Trust, a non-profit organization focused on agricultural development in the East African Community, the laboratory is also promoting upland rice varieties that require less water. Joseph Orende, a program assistant with Kilimo Trust, mentioned that sustainable rice production techniques have increased yields from two tonnes to 3.5 tonnes per hectare within two years. With proper management, the new rice varieties could produce 7-11 tonnes per hectare, potentially making Kenya rice self-sufficient.
