The Kenya Agricultural Livestock and Research Organisation (KALRO) has introduced seven soya bean varieties in preparation for this rainy season in a bid to boost the country’s food security.
The Director General, Dr. Eliud Kireger, said they have produced about 40 metric tonnes of the seeds ready to be sold to farmers and that they target to grow the amount to over 400,000 metric tonnes depending on the adoption by farmers.
Speaking during an agricultural expo held at the KARLO in Kandara, Murang’a County, Dr. Kireger said the varieties can do well in the various climatic conditions in the country.
Besides, he said soya bean production will boost the manufacture of animal feeds and cooking oil, all of which rely on soy beans or sunflowers for production.
“Currently, the cost of animal feed is high because they are made from protein sources, which are expensive. This will be a boost,” he said.
On cooking oil, the DG said as an ingredient in its manufacture, increased soya bean production will reduce the cost of cooking oil in the country.
“Last year, the government imported Sh117 billion worth of cooking oil. That’s why we have pulled our efforts to soya beans and sunflower farming since they are among the main ingredients in the manufacture of cooking oil,” Dr. Kireger said.
The DG at the same time said they are working on having a proper soya seed management system through irrigation to ensure the availability of more certified seeds to farmers.
KALRO Chairman Thuo Mathenge revealed that the government is targeting 24 counties for an ambitious youth engagement programme where 200,000 youth will be recruited and allocated idle government land to engage in farming activities, including soya bean cultivation.
Local leaders, led by Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, said the future of agriculture in Kenya looks promising, expressing optimism that with the right inputs and support, food security will be assured.
“We welcome these new seed varieties in our county to address food shortages. One of the varieties, the drought-tolerant SB19, which matures within three months and can produce yields of 800 to 1,000 kilogrammes per acre, translating to about Sh180,000 per harvest, will do well in this area,” he explained.
Kiambu Deputy Governor Rosemary Kirika echoed Muriu’s sentiments and affirmed her commitment to introducing soya bean farming across Kiambu County.
She noted that the county’s favourable climatic conditions make it ideal for cultivating the crop.
“Our farmers must look at agriculture not just as a subsistence activity but as a commercial venture that can bring wealth and improve livelihoods,” she said.
Kirika emphasised that certified seeds, such as the newly introduced SB19 soya bean, offer consistent quality, higher yields, and resilience to drought factors that are crucial in adapting to climate change.
She urged farmers to plant early and take advantage of the anticipated long rains.
By Muoki Charles
