By Science Africa correspondent
Dr. Patrick Ketiem has been appointed as the new Director General of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).
Dr. Ketiem is a seasoned scientist who has advanced through the ranks of KALRO, having previously served as Deputy Director General and earlier as Institute Director of the Agricultural Mechanization Research Institute (AMRI) in Katumani, Eastern Kenya.
He is a highly accomplished scientist, agricultural engineer, and research leader with over 24 years of experience in agricultural research, innovation, and public service. His professional expertise spans agricultural mechanization, climate change adaptation and mitigation, post-harvest management, agro-processing, and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Ketiem’s appointment comes at a critical time when the organization is strengthening its focus on climate resilience, sustainable food systems, and inclusive agricultural transformation.
In his inaugural speech, Dr. Ketiem urged the KALRO fraternity to embrace unity and collective responsibility in strengthening and supporting the organization to achieve its mandate through effective service delivery.
He called upon researchers to foster collaboration, share resources, and build synergies that will enhance innovation and impact in agricultural research and development.
Dr. Ketiem reaffirmed his commitment to steering KALRO towards greater heights, urging all members to unite under one vision and one mission—delivering excellence in agricultural research and innovation for Kenya and beyond.
KALRO’s Board Chair Dr. Thuo Mathenge urged staff to work collaboratively and take KALRO to the next level.
“On behalf of the Board of Management, we are confident that Dr. Patrick K. Ketiem’s proven leadership, deep scientific expertise, and commitment to impact-driven research will further strengthen KALRO’s role as a leading institution in advancing food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural development for Kenya and beyond,” he noted.
Dr. Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director of the Ghana-based Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) congratulated Dr. Ketiem on his appointment.
Dr. Agumya says that FARA looks forward to deepening its collaboration with KALRO under Dr Ketiem’s leadership, especially in advancing regional priorities aligned with the CAADP framework, regional research collaborations, and knowledge-based agricultural transformation across Africa.
KALRO serves as FARA’s national partner and point of entry in Kenya, playing a strategic role in advancing continental and national agricultural research, innovation, and policy processes.
His leadership is expected to further strengthen KALRO’s role in delivering research-driven solutions that enhance productivity, resilience, and sustainability within Kenya’s agri-food systems.
Dr. Ketiem replaces Dr. Eliud Kireger, who has retired after attaining the mandatory 60 years for retirement in public service.
