The Executive Director, Dr Aggrey Agumya and Management of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) congratulate Dr. Patrick Ketiem on his appointment as the Director General of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), effective from 19th January 2026.

KALRO serves as FARA’s national partner and point of entry in Kenya, playing a strategic role in advancing continental and national agricultural research, innovation, and policy processes. Dr Ketiem’s appointment marks an important milestone in strengthening institutional leadership and continuity within Kenya’s national agricultural research system.

Dr. Ketiem succeeds Dr. Eliud Kireger, who concludes an outstanding 11-year tenure marked by transformative leadership, institutional strengthening, and expanded national and international research partnerships. Under Dr. Kireger’s stewardship, KALRO significantly enhanced its research systems, innovation pipeline, and contribution to food security and agricultural development. The organization extends its deep appreciation for his exemplary service and lasting legacy.

Current KALRO Management Leadership

Dr. Alice Murage (left), Dr. Patrick Ketiem (center), Dr. Evans Ilatsia (right)

• Director General – Dr Patrick Ketiem
• Deputy Director General – Crops: Dr Alice Murage
• Deputy Director General – Livestock: Dr Evans Ilatsia

The KALRO management team operates under the leadership of the Board of Directors, chaired by Dr Thuo Mathenge.

Dr. Ketiem is a highly accomplished scientist, agricultural engineer, and research leader with over 24 years of experience in agricultural research, innovation, and public service. He has held senior leadership roles within KALRO, most recently serving as Institute Director, Agricultural Mechanization Research Institute (AMRI) and Chief Principal Research Scientist. His professional expertise spans agricultural mechanization, climate change adaptation and mitigation, post-harvest management, agro-processing, and environmental sustainability.

FARA looks forward to deepening its collaboration with KALRO under Dr Ketiem’s leadership, especially in advancing regional priorities aligned with the CAADP framework, regional research collaborations through ASARECA, and knowledge-based agricultural transformation across Africa.

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