Kiboko: Under the relentless sun of Kiboko, where the earth often cracks before it yields, a quiet transformation is taking root. Rows of pearl millet stretch across demonstration plots at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, their grain heads swaying gently in the dry land breeze-an understated but powerful symbol of resilience.
According to Kenya News Agency, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, farmers, scientists, and seed companies gathered here for a field tour that may well shape the future of farming in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands. Among them was Kyaati Yambu, a primary school teacher from Mtito Andei, who had travelled over 70 kilometers not for a lesson in English-but for a lesson in survival.
Yambu, who has worked as a contracted farmer with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) for over 20 years, has grown green grams, cowpeas, and sorghum. His 40-acre farm has sustained him well, particularly through green grams, which fetch up to Sh130 per kilo and yield as much as 35 bags per season. However, the promise of pearl millet captured his attention during the field tour in Kiboko. ‘When I came here, I was very much pleased to see a variety of crops-mostly the pearl millet,’ he says, expressing hope to access seeds that could enhance his income.
Pearl millet, once a staple crop across dry land communities in Africa, is making a return in the face of climate change. Dr. Lilian Gichuru, a Seed Systems Specialist at CIMMYT, highlights its drought tolerance and rapid growth, making it an appealing option in regions with unpredictable rainfall. Researchers at Kiboko are introducing hybrid varieties sourced from global partners to evaluate yield and adaptability under Kenyan conditions.
The ongoing trials aim to bridge the gap between research and real-world application by involving private seed companies early in the process. Dr. Gichuru emphasizes the importance of market-driven selection, stating, ‘We don’t want to take products forward that farmers and companies don’t actually want.’ Already, about five seed companies have shown interest in co-testing and potentially commercializing the varieties.
For farmers like Yambu and Leonard Mbwiko, a retired special needs teacher, the stakes are personal. Mbwiko, now a farmer in Mtito Andei, recalls the past prominence of pearl millet and is hopeful about its resurgence. He plans to reach out to KALRO for seeds, viewing pearl millet as a promising addition to his crops.
The diversity of the 28 pearl millet varieties being tested at Kiboko is striking. Molly Okoth, a research associate at CIMMYT, explains that trials are not limited to Kenya but extend across East and Southern Africa, ensuring successful varieties can be scaled regionally. The focus is on productivity, with hybrids offering higher yields than traditional open-pollinated varieties.
Pearl millet’s potential extends beyond food; it holds promise for brewing and animal feed, with some varieties suitable for forage. The ‘stay-green’ characteristic of certain hybrids is particularly valuable for livestock farmers facing feed shortages. While challenges such as labor-intensive processing remain, advancements in mechanization are underway to ease these burdens.
As Yambu walks through the plots, taking notes and listening to scientists, he envisions adding pearl millet to his crops. His decision reflects a broader shift in Kenya’s dry lands, where farmers seek resilient crops that provide income amid climate change. Pearl millet, long overlooked, is emerging as a strong contender, with its success hinging on collaboration among researchers, farmers, seed companies, and policymakers.
As the field tour concludes, the message is clear: the future of farming in Kenya’s drylands may lie in rediscovering and reimagining crops like pearl millet. Time will tell if it will remain a staple in the agricultural landscape.
