Nairobi — Kenya’s flagship agricultural research institution, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), has entered a new leadership chapter with the appointment of Dr. Patrick K. Ketiem as Director General.
He takes over from Dr. Eliud Kireger, who closes an 11-year period widely associated with institutional strengthening and the expansion of research partnerships—work that helped position KALRO as a key national engine for agricultural innovation and food security.
A leadership change at a decisive moment
The timing matters. Across Kenya and the wider region, producers are navigating a tough mix of pressures: climate variability, rising production costs, animal and crop health threats, and the constant demand to produce more—more reliably, and more sustainably.
In his first message to staff, Dr. Ketiem emphasized unity, collaboration, and shared responsibility, calling on teams to work as one and to strengthen internal synergies so that research translates faster into real results on farms and in value chains.
Who is Dr. Ketiem?
Dr. Ketiem is a scientist and agricultural engineer with over 24 years of experience in research leadership and public service. Within KALRO, he previously held senior roles, including leading the Agricultural Mechanization Research Institute (AMRI) and serving as a Chief Principal Research Scientist. His technical footprint spans mechanization, climate adaptation and mitigation, post-harvest management, agro-processing, and environmental sustainability—all areas that directly shape productivity and resilience for smallholders and commercial producers alike.
Why KALRO is strategically important
For AfricaVET readers—especially veterinarians, livestock professionals, and One Health stakeholders—KALRO’s importance is not abstract. It sits at the intersection of science, production systems, and national development priorities.
1) KALRO is the “science-to-field” backbone
KALRO is one of the few institutions with the scale and mandate to push innovations from research stations into farmers’ hands: improved technologies, smarter practices, and evidence that helps guide investments in agriculture and livestock.
2) Livestock research is central to food security
Kenya’s livestock sector supports millions of livelihoods through dairy, poultry, small ruminants, and beef value chains. Research that improves breeding, feeding systems, animal productivity, and farm management has a direct effect on household incomes and nutrition—especially in pastoral and mixed farming systems.
3) Animal health and resilience depend on strong research ecosystems
A stronger research institution helps the country respond better to disease risks by producing data, tools, and field-ready solutions—from better husbandry and biosecurity approaches to innovations that reduce losses and support safer, more competitive livestock products.
4) Climate resilience needs innovation that farmers can actually use
Mechanization, post-harvest solutions, and climate-smart technologies are not “nice-to-have” anymore. They are increasingly what separates a season of losses from a season of stability—particularly for smallholders and producer groups exposed to droughts, floods, and shifting disease patterns.
A refreshed leadership team
KALRO has also confirmed key appointments at the top:
- Dr. Alice Murage as Deputy Director General (Crops), an agricultural economist with extensive experience coordinating high-impact projects and science communication.
- Dr. Evans D. Ilatsia continuing as Deputy Director General (Livestock), an animal breeding and genetics specialist with a strong track record in research leadership and project implementation.
Together, this leadership structure signals a clear intention to keep both crops and livestock at the center of KALRO’s delivery agenda.
What to watch next
For producers and animal health stakeholders, the real question is speed and impact: how quickly the new leadership can strengthen partnerships, break silos, and accelerate delivery so that innovations reach farms, markets, and policy processes.
If Dr. Ketiem’s “one team” message translates into faster uptake of technologies and better coordination across institutes, KALRO’s next chapter could become a decisive boost for food security, climate resilience, and sustainable livestock development—not just for Kenya, but as a reference point for the region.
Dr. Alice Murage was appointed as the Deputy Director General in charge of Crops in August 2025, following the retirement of Dr. Felister Makini upon attaining the mandatory retirement age. Dr. Murage holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Egerton University jointly with Justus Liebig Universität, Germany, an MSc in Agricultural Economics, and a BSc in Agriculture from the University of Nairobi. Prior to her appointment, she served as Director of the Socio-Economics and Policy Development Department, where she coordinated several high-impact, donor-funded projects.
Dr. Murage is an accomplished researcher and scientific communicator, having (co)authored over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles, policy briefs, technical reports, and conference proceedings. She has undertaken extensive executive leadership training, including the Strategic Leadership Development Program (SLDP) and the John Dillon Fellowship, and is known for her collaborative, inclusive, and results-driven leadership style. In her inaugural remarks, she called on staff to support teamwork and collaboration as she assumes the role.
Dr. Evans D. Ilatsia continues with his role as the Deputy Director General in charge of Livestock. He holds a Doctorate in Animal Breeding and Genetics from the University of Hohenheim, Germany, a Master of Science in Animal Breeding, and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Extension from Egerton University. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Ilatsia served as Institute Director of the Dairy Research Institute, where he led the implementation of over 22 research and development projects.
An accomplished scientist, Dr. Ilatsia has (co)authored more than 80 research publications and contributed to various policy documents, while also supervising postgraduate students at local and international universities. His appointment strengthens KALRO’s leadership in livestock research and development.
Source : KALRO, 2026
