Farmers across Kenya can now access soybean seeds for commercial production, a move aimed at enhancing agricultural output and reducing the cost of animal feed while promoting better nutrition.
This development follows the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation’s unveiling of seven new soybean varieties for commercial cultivation.
During the official launch of the soybean production and utilisation campaign, Kalro chairman Dr Thuo Mathenge said the initiative’s goal is to assist the government in reducing its reliance on imported cooking oil.
In 2024, Kenya imported cooking oil worth Sh117 billion.
“Soybean is a vital crop with immense economic potential. It provides an affordable and rich protein source for human consumption while also serving as a key ingredient in livestock and fish feed production,” Mathenge said.
The legume is also one of the richest and cheapest sources of protein. “With a high oil content of 20 per cent and protein content of 40 per cent, soybean plays a crucial role in the edible oil and plant-based protein industries.”
Mathenge explained that Kalro’s collaboration with the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) is focused on enhancing seed production and multiplication.
“Kalro Seeds has already bulked up 40 tonnes of soybean seeds from various research and seed centers,” he said.
“Through research-driven approaches, we aim to increase production, processing and value addition to unlock the full economic potential of this vital crop.”
He urged farmers, especially the youth, to engage in soybean production. “The government is actively encouraging youth participation in farming,” Mathenge stated.
“If we don’t bring young people into agriculture, we risk facing a severe food shortage in the next 20 years, as many farmers will be too old to continue farming.”
He said plans are already underway to allocate 400 acres across the country and recruit 200 youth to grow crops like sunflower, canola and soybean.
“This initiative will reduce cooking oil imports, create employment and contribute to a healthier nation.”
Dr Eliud Kireger, Kalro’s director general, pointed out the critical role soybean plays in both food production and animal feed manufacturing.
“Currently, livestock feed for poultry, dairy and beef animals is expensive due to the country’s reliance on imported protein sources like soybean, sunflower and cottonseed cake,” Kireger noted.
“Encouraging farmers to grow soybeans, which can thrive almost anywhere in the country, is a key step in addressing this issue.”
Kireger spoke at the annual Kilimo Biashara Expo in Kandara, where agricultural stakeholders showcased the latest technologies to empower farmers.
He added that Kalro had developed seven soybean varieties, though adoption rates had been low in the past.
“We’ve now relaunched soybean production in Kenya, with 40 tonnes of seeds ready for sale,” he explained.
“Our goal is to scale up seed production to 400,000 tonnes, depending on market demand.”
He also addressed challenges related to soybean seed viability, explaining that the seeds are only viable for six months.
“A proper seed system is essential to ensure fresh, viable seeds are available to farmers,” he said, stressing the importance of irrigation to enable year-round seed production. Farmers can access the released varieties at any of Kalro’s 18 Mkulima shops across the country.
