- Senate Committee says KALRO land is being taken over illegally by individuals working with officials.
- Chair David Wakoli warns that the theft is hurting food research and long-term food security.
- Nearly half of Naivasha research land is said to be grabbed.
- Senators want the KALRO Act changed to boost funding and power.
- KALRO says it’s still helping farmers through county partnerships despite challenges.
A Senate team is raising tough questions over the fast-shrinking land under the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), blaming the loss on a network of corrupt land grabbers and public officials. They say this ongoing crisis could undermine food research and threaten the country’s food future.
Speaking during a field visit to Naivasha, Committee Chair and Bungoma Senator David Wakoli said land meant for critical agricultural research is slowly being stolen, and this, added to limited funding, could cripple KALRO’s operations.
“We are seeing land meant for public research being taken over by individuals. We must act now,” Wakoli stressed.
Senators Call for Action as KALRO Battles Budget Gaps
Despite the struggles, the committee praised KALRO for continuing to reach out to farmers through county-level partnerships. These efforts have helped deliver subsidised farm inputs like chicks and piglets to boost rural farming.
Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda urged a review of the KALRO Act of 2013 to improve the institution’s legal and financial base. He believes KALRO has great potential if better supported. Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi added that the situation is getting out of hand, revealing that out of 3,000 acres in Naivasha, almost half has already been grabbed, and legal battles are underway.
KALRO Director Samuel Mbuku confirmed that the organisation is short on funds but is still working with development partners and counties. He said they are tackling challenges like drought, high costs, and livestock diseases using modern climate-smart tools.
The Senate committee now wants a clear plan to protect KALRO land and secure its role in research, innovation, and national food safety.
