Kenya Turns to Digital Tools to Boost Farming Productivity

NAIROBI

Kenya’s Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) is embracing digital technology to deliver agricultural research, certified seeds, and expert knowledge directly to farmers.

The initiative, officials say, is part of a broader national effort to modernize food production and make smallholder farming more efficient, resilient, and profitable.

Speaking at the launch of the 13th KALRO Seeds Mkulima Shop and Expo, Dr. Felister Makini, KALRO’s Deputy Director-General for Crops, said the goal is clear: to ensure that science and innovation reach farmers in real time.

“We want farmers to access certified seeds and reliable information at the same time,” Dr. Makini said. “That’s how we turn research into real productivity gains.”

Digital Platforms Bring Research Closer to Farmers

KALRO has rolled out a network of digital tools designed to help farmers make smarter production decisions.

The KALRO Shop functions as a one-stop platform where farmers can purchase certified seed varieties while receiving guidance on best farming practices.

In addition, KALRO uses mobile apps, SMS alerts, its website, and a toll-free call center to extend its reach nationwide. Farmers registered with KALRO can receive tailored advisories on crop and livestock management — from pest control and soil health to animal nutrition and disease prevention.

A poultry farmer, for instance, can use the mobile app to access step-by-step information on housing design, feed formulation, and veterinary care — advice that once required a visit to an extension office.

Driving Modern, Research-Based Agriculture

Dr. Makini said the program reflects KALRO’s “last-mile initiative”, designed to transition farmers from traditional methods toward research-driven production that enhances food security.

The digital initiative supports the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which emphasizes innovation and productivity in agriculture as key engines of national growth.

County officials and agricultural leaders praised the move, noting that it bridges the gap between research institutions and rural communities. “Digital access ensures that innovation no longer stops at the lab,” said one official. “It reaches the people who need it most.”

A Promising Step Toward Agricultural Transformation

Analysts see KALRO’s digital expansion as an example of how data and technology can reshape African agriculture.

By enabling farmers to access trusted inputs and real-time expertise, the organization is helping to raise yields, strengthen food security, and foster economic resilience.

“Meeting farmers where they are — through the tools they already use — is what makes this approach transformative,” Dr. Makini said.