By Winnyfred Amongi, Allan Ssekamate, Fred Kato, and Roy Odama
Kenya is taking bold steps to transform its bean research landscape through renewed collaboration, innovation, and capacity building. At the heart of this transformation is a growing partnership between the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) Program, under the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. This collaboration is not only driving the development of improved bean varieties but also laying the foundation for climate-resilient agriculture, stronger seed systems, and next-generation researchers poised to shape the future of food security in the region.
For instance, during a visit to KALRO centers at Katumani, Thika, and Kakamega, Dr. Eliezah Kamau, Bean Program Lead at KALRO-Thika, underscored the value of the Alliance partnership. The partners also reviewed ongoing work at the Horticulture Research Institute (HRI), where Dr. Kamau highlighted breeding efforts focused on drought tolerance, low soil fertility adaptation, and resistance to pests and diseases. This collaboration marks a vital step toward a more resilient and productive bean value chain in Kenya.
Tackling varietal poor performance under weather variability & hands-on learning in the field
Efforts to address varietal decline and improve disease resistance were a key focus during the field visit—particularly for the Nyota variety (DAB299). While Nyota is valued for its drought tolerance, it remains susceptible to major bean diseases such as anthracnose, and common bacterial blight, particularly due to variability in weather conditions. Breeding programs are actively developing improved replacements or options suited for other environments through ongoing crossbreeding. Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BCMV), which is spread by aphids, was also identified as a challenge. Additionally, low yields of both Nyota and KATB1 were observed in high-altitude regions. These varieties were originally released for cultivation in low-altitude areas which are prone to drought. To better serve high altitude areas, the program may need to consider introducing red mottled and yellow bean varieties that are better adapted to cooler, highland environments, as the current varieties are more suited to dry zones. Additionally, testing varieties released by KARLO-Kakamega in these high-altitude areas could provide promising alternatives.
For this cause, Dr. Kamau shared data from yield trials across multiple market classes, offering insights into future directions. However, he noted specific concerns: variety KATB1, a yellow seeded bean struggle in excessive rainfall, while RED16 faces challenges related to drought sensitivity and late maturity. These limitations highlight critical opportunities for breeding more resilient and adaptable bean varieties to meet evolving farmers and climate needs.
At the Thika field site, the team engaged deeply in disease identification exercises. Using the standard 1–9 common bean disease severity scale, participants were guided through the assessment of key diseases, including bean scab, anthracnose, angular leaf spot, BCMV and its necrotic strain, as well as common bacterial blight. This hands-on, participatory approach enabled staff to collaboratively score plots, enhancing their ability to identify and select disease-resistant lines with confidence.
Two multiplication fields highlighted the striking influence of micro-environments on the Nyota variety, with notable differences in disease pressure observed just 200 meters apart. This underscored the importance of collecting location-specific data to inform breeding decisions and ensure robust, context-sensitive outcomes.
Industry Insights: The Bean Value Chain
As part of their field engagement, the Alliance team visited the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) in Donholm, Nairobi, where they met with Mary Cherot, Executive Director of Cherubet Foods. Cherubet is a growing small and medium-sized food processing enterprise (SMFE) that specializes in value-added products, including instant composite porridge and pre-cooked beans.
Despite ongoing supply challenges, especially in maintaining consistent grain quality, Cherubet Foods sees strong market potential in yellow and red mottled bean varieties. The company primarily sources its beans through cooperative societies and smallholder farmers from the Rift Valley and border regions. This underscores the pressing need to strengthen aggregation networks and post-harvest handling systems to ensure consistent quality and a reliable supply chain.
Innovations at KALRO-Katumani and Future-Focused Vision
At KALRO-Katumani, the team observed field trials, including breeder seed production for two new bean varieties and disease-resistant line evaluations in the PABRA23 nurseries. Despite ongoing water stress, several lines, especially in the pod-filling stages, showed strong vigor, highlighting their potential resilience.
Inside the screenhouse, key crossing blocks targeted genetic improvement of Nyota, a red mottled bean variety, and small red varieties like GLP585 and Wairimu Red. The work is led by Dr. David Karanja, Dr. Vicky Korir, and Mrs. Wincaster Mutuli Makoani, supported by five skilled technicians.
Mr. Daniel Mulwa, Manager of the KALRO Seed Unit, emphasized KALRO’s key role in providing quality seeds for farmers. With demand for Nyota outpacing supply, he stressed the urgency of fast-tracking resilient alternative bean varieties to meet rising market needs.
A final visit to smallholder farmers Edward and Shadrack Ndonye highlighted the value of improved varieties. Despite variable rainfall, both anticipated good harvests, showcasing Nyota’s adaptability and the impact of research-driven innovations.
The CIAT-KALRO collaboration has charted a clear direction for bean breeding, emphasizing the urgent need to intensify disease resistance efforts—especially against widespread bean scabs. There’s also a rising demand for a red mottled variety that pairs Nyota’s drought resilience with better performance in highland and wetter zones.
Frame 2: Scabs on bean pods
Key gaps hindering breeding efficiency include the lack of functional pathology labs and limited use of DNA marker-assisted selection, highlighting the need for tech and infrastructure investment. Tools like ASReml-R, R, and Mr. Bean were recommended to boost data analysis and field experiment design.
Capacity building remains essential, especially for new technicians needing training in electronic data collection, breeding management system (BMS), and disease screening. A proposed exchange visit by KALRO staff to Alliance facilities in Kawanda was well received, offering a valuable opportunity to strengthen skills and collaboration.
Young Scientists Leading a Good Cause
In Western Kenya, the KALRO-Kakamega bean program is shaping the future of bean research through a dynamic, youthful team supported by the Kirkhouse Trust, the Rapid Cooking Bean Project (RCBP), and PABRA. Focused on developing resilient, market-driven varieties for both smallholder and commercial farmers, the program has made notable gains through initiatives like Kirkhouse, PABRA23, and RCBP.
Over 100 disease-resistant lines, developed using molecular markers, are in final yield trials, with top performers advancing to National Performance Trials. Despite challenges—such as delayed seed delivery and pest pressure—PABRA23 trials were successfully conducted both on-station and on-farm. KALRO-Kakamega continues to evaluate diverse market classes, especially red mottled-seeded lines performing well under high disease pressure. Trial management has improved, particularly in flowering and maturity data quality.
In the seed system, KK8 remains a top choice for mechanized farming due to its upright growth and uniform maturity, while varieties like CAL194 are gaining traction among smallholders for higher yields. Plans are underway to expand CAL194’s licensing, though pests like whiteflies call for updated control strategies.
Frame 3: An outgrower’s farm affected by a whitefly infestation
The research infrastructure is relatively strong, supported by functional biotechnology and pathology labs, including work on scab pathogens and potential genomic collaboration with Ugandan partners. However, infrastructure issues persist—damaged screenhouses and a cold room needing a dehumidifier to ensure seed quality.
Staffing is limited, with high technician turnover, but the core team remains committed and capable. With targeted investment in training and retention, KALRO-Kakamega is well-positioned to lead nationally. A recent visit by CIAT and partners highlighted collaboration opportunities in scab resistance, genotyping and phenotyping under disease pressure, and data management.
Conclusion
KALRO-Kakamega’s bean program is a powerful example of how empowering young scientists with the right tools and partnerships drives real agricultural change. With a strong breeding pipeline, improved disease control, and expanding collaborations, Kenya’s bean research is on the brink of transformation. Continued investment in people, infrastructure, and partnerships will be key to scaling these gains. As demand for beans grows across East Africa, the CIAT-KALRO partnership under PABRA is advancing climate-resilient, nutritious varieties—progress that’s not just possible, but already underway.