Ketiem appointed new KALRO Director General
Dr Patrick Ketiem has been appointed the new Director General of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) taking over from Dr Eliud Kireger, who has completed an 11-year tenure at the helm of the institution.
The appointment was announced by KALRO Board Chair Dr Thuo Mathenge, who said the leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment as the organisation intensifies its focus on climate-resilient agriculture, food security and research-driven innovation.
Mathenge credited Kireger with strengthening KALRO’s research systems and innovation pipeline during his tenure, significantly contributing to national agricultural development.
Ketiem brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as Institute Director at the Agricultural Mechanization Research Institute (AMRI) and as Chief Principal Research Scientist. In his acceptance remarks, he called on KALRO staff to embrace teamwork and unity, emphasising that collaboration, partnerships and research excellence would be critical in delivering meaningful impact for farmers and the wider agricultural sector.
He pledged to deepen linkages with stakeholders, development partners and research institutions to ensure science continues to play a central role in addressing Kenya’s food security challenges and driving sustainable agricultural transformation.
Ketiem noted that strengthening innovation uptake and translating research into practical solutions for farmers would be a key priority under his leadership.
Dr Mathenge highlighted KALRO’s long-standing contribution to Kenya’s agricultural sector, noting that the organisation has developed and commercialised improved crop varieties, livestock breeds and farming technologies widely adopted by smallholder farmers across the country.
He said Ketiem’s appointment comes at a time when KALRO is sharpening its focus on climate resilience, sustainable food systems and inclusive agricultural growth, amid increasing pressures from climate change and population growth.
The board chair expressed confidence that Ketiem’s proven leadership, deep scientific expertise and commitment to impact-oriented research would further strengthen KALRO’s position as a leading agricultural research institution.
He urged staff to support the new Director General and work collectively to take the organisation to the next level in advancing food security, climate resilience and sustainable agricultural development for Kenya and beyond.
