The Chairman and Board of Management, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) has appointed Dr. Patrick K. Ketiem as its new Director General.
Dr. Ketiem succeeds Dr. Eliud Kireger, who concludes an outstanding 11-year tenure marked by transformative leadership, institutional strengthening and expansion of national and international research partnerships.
Under Dr. Kireger’s stewardship, KALRO significantly enhanced its research systems, innovation pipeline, and contribution to food security and agricultural development.
The organization extends its deep appreciation for his exemplary service and lasting legacy.
Dr. Ketiem is a highly accomplished scientist, agricultural engineer, and research leader with over 24 years of experience in agricultural research, innovation, and public service.
He has held senior leadership roles within KALRO, most recently serving as Institute Director, Agricultural Mechanization Research Institute (AMRI) and Chief Principal Research Scientist.
His professional expertise spans agricultural mechanization, climate change adaptation and mitigation, post-harvest management, agro-processing and environmental sustainability.
A strong advocate for impact-driven research, Dr. Ketiem has led multidisciplinary research and development initiatives across diverse agro-ecological zones, mobilized significant research funding, and championed the scaling of technologies that enhance productivity, resilience, and livelihoods for smallholder farmers.
His leadership approach emphasizes partnerships, accountability, innovation, and the translation of science into measurable development outcomes.
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.
KALRO fraternity welcomed Dr. Ketiem to his new role and looks forward to a new chapter of bold leadership, strengthened partnerships and science that delivers impact for Kenya and beyond.
By Wangari Ndirangu
