The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), through its Tea Research Institute (TRI), marked International Tea Day with the official opening of its 15th Mkulima Shop in Kericho. The new outlet aims to improve farmers’ access to certified seeds, seedlings, and environmentally friendly agricultural technologies.
Serving as a one-stop shop for KALRO’s products and services, the Mkulima Shop is part of the agency’s broader strategy to deliver region-specific, research-based solutions tailored to smallholder farmers. The launch coincided with the global theme of “Harnessing Climate-Resilient Practices in Tea Production.”
Speaking at the event, KALRO Deputy Director General for Crops, Dr. Felister Makini, announced that a digital platform would be introduced later this year to further expand farmers’ access to farm inputs, technical assistance, and market linkages.
“Mkulima Shops are central to empowering farmers by delivering certified seeds and technologies where they are needed most. The upcoming digital platform will take this access even further,” Dr. Makini said.
The celebrations featured a tour of the TRI Cottage Factory, a tree-planting ceremony, and live demonstrations of TRI’s latest innovations, including cultural pest control methods and custom fertilizer blends designed to support sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.
KALRO Seeds Director Robert Musyoki said the Kericho outlet is part of a wider initiative to decentralize the distribution of certified seeds and farm inputs.
“We now have Mkulima Shops operating in 15 counties. These outlets are strategically located to meet regional needs and improve the flow of innovation from lab to land,” he said.
Meanwhile, TRI Director Ms. Lilian Kerio urged farmers and investors to explore value addition in tea production by diversifying into speciality products such as purple tea, kombucha, fortified beverages, and non-consumable items like tea-based shampoo and detergents.
“These innovations expand income streams and enhance Kenya’s competitiveness globally,” she noted.
