Achievements

Over the years, the government and other donor agencies have supported KARI to attain the current levels of physical, human and technological advancements. Between 1985 and 2000, KARI released over 146 improved varieties of food and horticultural crops including maize (22), wheat (18), grain legumes (32), Irish potatoes (6), sorghum and millets (20), flowers (42) and tissue culture bananas. In livestock research, 18 livestock vaccines and diagnostic kits were developed and released; 500 dual purpose Sahiwal bulls were availed for breeding purposes in the southern rangeland; 800 Sahiwal x Friesian crossbred were availed to farmers for improved adaptability and dairy production in semi-arid areas; and more than 600 dual purpose goats were bred and supplied to farmers in areas constrained by land pressure. Some dual-purpose goats were exported to neighboring countries.

The global trend in most agricultural development programmes focus on productivity and poverty reduction within constrained budgets. KARI is just one in a multitude in this complex process, striving daily to build effective partnerships, focusing on contributions in which it can play valuable roles and through which it can have significant impact. The institute envisages various shifts in its current research profile over the next twelve years to appropriately address its agenda in relation to:

· New developments in science, research and extension

· Funding opportunities and partnerships

· Technology invention, repacking, dissemination, adaptability and impact orientation

KARI has achieved a lot during the two phases on the National Agricultural Research Programme (NARP I and II), and is positioning itself to do better in its new agenda with continued support from partners and stakeholder to together improve the overall agricultural productivity and hence the improved livelihood of Kenyan population.