By Priscilla Nzaka, Dennis Ong’or, Justin Mabeya, Paul Aseete, Jean Claude Rubyogo and David Karanja
In the tranquil landscape of Kieni East Sub County, Nyeri County, a quiet revolution in common bean production, catalysed by the Nyota bean, is taking shape. Nyota translated as “star” in Kiswahili was introduced by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) into the market in May 2017. Just like in other parts of Kenya, the variety has won the hearts of farmers in Kieni because it is climate smart (drought tolerant, early maturing, and disease tolerant); high yielding (producing up to 12 bags of 90kg per acre); has outstanding consumption traits (very low flatulence and sweet taste); and good for processing.
To enhance the role of Nyota in Kieni’s bean value chain, a three-day training and experience sharing session was organized in the Naromoru/Kiamathaga and Kabaru wards from August 13 – 15, 2024. The focus of this session was on Nyota production. The primary goal was to catalyse Nyota bean production across the county by educating farmers on best agricultural practices to ensure optimal cultivation techniques, pest management, and soil health to boost productivity. The training promoted behavioural change in commercial bean production and the bean corridor approach by sensitizing farmers to adopt improved farming practices and use quality inputs, including seeds. Recognizing that successful farming involves more than just cultivation, the training addressed business skills. Participants learned about market access, value addition, and post-harvest management. Furthermore, transforming the role of Nyota beans required financial literacy. Participants gained insights into budgeting, cost management, and income diversification related to Nyota bean production. A total of 313 farmers participated in various sessions, including 203 women and 110 men.
Supported by the SeedEqual Initiative and organized by KALRO and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT through Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), the event brought together a diverse group of participants, including farmers, ward extension officers, county agriculture representatives, 4K Club pupils, bean aggregators, off takers, input suppliers, and financial service providers. This broad representation constitutes the Nyota Multistakeholder Platform (MSP) in Kieni, underscoring the widespread interest in Nyota bean production, and highlighting the collaborative effort to boost its cultivation.

Dr. David Karanja (standing) sensitizing farmers on Nyota bean production in Naromoru/Kiamathaga Ward – Photo by Priscilla Nzaka
Kieni East, situated on the leeward side of Mount Kenya, faces many agricultural challenges. The region’s dry, semi-arid climate and frequent floods make farming difficult. Additionally, unreliable rainfall and frost pose significant threats to food security. Despite these obstacles, Kieni East remains a strategic location for growing Nyota Beans. The variety’s productivity is impressive in the county. For example, some farmers have reported yields of up to 50.5 kilograms per kilogram of seed planted. According to Dr. David Karanja National Bean Programme Leader at KALRO, Nyota Beans grown in Kieni East are of exceptional quality. This makes the area a priority for establishing a bean production hub, to service the local and regional distribution and consumption hubs. By focusing on this region, the project aims to increase both the quantity and quality of Nyota beans, offering a sustainable solution to food insecurity while securing business opportunities to farmers. During the experience sharing session, farmers gave compelling testimonies of how Nyota Beans have changed their lives. Matthew, a farmer and bean aggregator in Kiamathaga ward, shared his success story.
With a smile, Matthew explained, “Nyota Beans have really boosted my income. From just 72 kilograms of seeds, I managed to harvest 22 bags of beans weighing 90 kgs (1.98 tons). The high yield and the strong market demand have made Nyota a valuable crop.”

Ruth Wanjiru, a Nyota bean farmer in Kabaru ward, explaining the economic benefits of Nyota bean farming – Photo by Priscilla Nzaka
Ruth Wanjiru, a member of the Gitinga Youth Group and a Nyota bean farmer, has significantly benefited from her operation. She planted 2 kg of Nyota bean seed and harvested 75 kg.
Despite this relatively modest yield, Ruth shared proudly, “I paid my child’s college school fees with money from Nyota.” The success of Nyota Beans has provided Ruth with financial support, allowing her to manage her family’s needs. She plans to expand her operation to planting 12-20 kg of seed in the future. As she noted, “I used to struggle to make ends meet, but now I can pay school fees and take care of my family’s needs comfortably.”
Gladys Wawera, a passionate Nyota Bean farmer, expressed how her perspective on farming has shifted.
“I used to plant and sell just for my daily needs,” Gladys said. “Nowadays, I plant to sell for profit.” Her enthusiasm reflects a broader trend among farmers in the area, many of whom are now moving toward commercial bean farming and bean farming as a business. Gladys is not just increasing her income but also encouraging other farmers to adopt Nyota Beans for better yields and market opportunities.
Nyota beans are not just a profitable crop; they are also highly nutritious and suitable for developing various bean value added products. As part of the training, participants sampled various bean-based products, including porridge and chapati made from bean flour. These products are nutritious and have a low flatulence level, making them suitable for all age groups. Because of its high iron and zinc, Nyota has been promoted for school feeding through the home grown and school gardening approach in local schools.
Harriet Kinyua, the headteacher of Gitero School, shared how Nyota Beans have improved the school feeding program. The school planted just two kilograms of Nyota beans on a small plot and harvested 94 kilograms. This harvest was enough to provide three bean meals a week for all 430 students.
Harriet noted, “During the week we fed the children with Nyota Beans, none of them complained about stomach issues.” Furthermore, parents who grow Nyota Beans have found it easier to pay school fees, reducing the number of children sent home for lack of payment. “Nyota Beans have brought relief to our school and our community,” Harriet added. “With parents able to pay fees, we have fewer children being sent home.”

Sensory evaluation of Nyota beans and bean-flour-based foods (uji and chapati) at Gitero School – Photo by priscilla Nzaka
The training has inspired optimism among farmers and other stakeholders. With improved agricultural practices and secure market linkages, farmers are ready to increase their productivity. Partnerships with off takers like Delish and Nutri ensure that farmers have a guaranteed market and fair prices. The Equity Group Foundation offers access to financial credit, empowering farmers to expand their operations.
The goal is clear: to produce 30 tons of quality Nyota grain in the next two to three seasons. This aligns with the broader objective of PABRA and KALRO to increase the adoption of High-Iron Beans (HIB), which currently accounts for 12% of bean production, with a target to reach 40% by 2030. As Kieni East moves toward becoming a major hub for Nyota Bean production, the future looks promising. This small bean is not only feeding families but also building brighter futures, one harvest at a time.