Nakuru: The Government will transform the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Marindas Centre in Kuresoi North, Nakuru County, into a potato seed production, research, and farmer training hub to address the shortage of certified seed. Principal Secretary, State Department for Agriculture, Dr. Kiprono Ronoh, announced the Government’s collaboration with KALRO to convert the 600-acre facility into a centre of excellence for certified potato seed production, agricultural research, and farmer training.
According to Kenya News Agency, KALRO Director General Dr. Patrick Ketiem stated that Kenya’s demand for certified potato seed stands at approximately 150,000 tonnes annually, but the country produces only about 24,000 tonnes, resulting in a deficit of 126,000 tonnes. The shortage has led many farmers to recycle seed from previous harvests, increasing the risk of pests and diseases and compromising yields and farmers’ incomes. Dr. Ketiem emphasized KALRO’s vision to use the Marindas land to produce certified seed for farmers, with about 300 acres under rotational production each season to minimize the build-up of soil-borne pests and diseases while ensuring a steady supply of clean planting material.
Farmers in Kuresoi, Molo, Njoro, and other parts of Nakuru County are expected to benefit from improved access to certified seed at affordable prices once the facility becomes fully operational. Dr. Ketiem noted that increased investment in water, irrigation, mechanisation, seed storage, and cold-room facilities is necessary to enable Marindas to produce certified seed on a large scale. He also highlighted that KALRO’s potato research centre at Tigoni had developed high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties, including Unica, Wanjiku, Nyota, Chulu, and Lenana, with yield potential of up to 40 tonnes per hectare.
Meanwhile, PS Ronoh directed KALRO, the Nakuru County Government, and administration to safeguard Government land at Marindas against encroachment, instructing individuals occupying sections of the land to vacate to allow for fencing and development of the facility. The Government aims to establish a multipurpose agricultural centre at Marindas to support fertilizer distribution, value addition, and processing of agricultural commodities, including potatoes, coffee, and avocado.
Dr. Juma Mukhwana, PS, State Department for Industry, indicated collaboration with partners to establish a value-addition centre or small processing factory at the facility, and highlighted ongoing construction of a county aggregation and industrial park at Egerton University in Njoro. PS Mukhwana encouraged farmers and private investors to explore opportunities in small-scale manufacturing, including yoghurt and potato processing.
Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai welcomed the revival and upgrading of the Marindas facility, citing that it would ease farmers’ access to certified potato seed and strengthen agricultural training in the constituency. Mutai expressed optimism that locally produced certified seed would soon be available and highlighted the importance of equipping farmers with practical knowledge to improve productivity. He commended the local community for protecting the Marindas farm and emphasized its potential to contribute to food security and employment if fully utilized.
The development of Marindas is expected to bolster certified potato seed multiplication, agricultural research, farmer training, and value addition, positioning Nakuru as a significant hub for Kenya’s potato industry.
