The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization has strengthened its collaboration with the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development in a move aimed at promoting women leadership, innovation and mentorship in agricultural research across Africa.
This follows a meeting held at KALRO headquarters where AWARD Director Dr. Susan Kaaria and the organization’s Senior Manager for Communication Ms. Dorine Odongo paid a courtesy call to KALRO Director General Dr. Patrick Ketiem.
The meeting also brought together KALRO Deputy Director General for Crops Dr. Alice Murage alongside several women directors from the institution.
Discussions centered on strategies to strengthen women’s participation in agricultural leadership, expand opportunities in data science and impact measurement, and establish structured mentorship and capacity-building programmes for emerging women scientists.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Ketiem said empowering women in science and leadership was key to accelerating agricultural transformation and building resilient food systems across the continent.
“We must intentionally create opportunities that enable women scientists and professionals to rise into leadership positions and contribute meaningfully to agricultural transformation,” said Dr. Ketiem.
He noted that mentorship and capacity-building initiatives should not only focus on agricultural research but also encourage women to excel in diverse scientific and professional fields.
“Mentorship should go beyond laboratories and research institutions. We want to inspire women to lead in innovation, policy, digital transformation and other areas that influence agriculture and national development,” he added.
Dr. Ketiem further welcomed AWARD’s proposal to host a side event during the 2nd KALRO Scientific Conference scheduled for June 15 to 19, 2026 at KALRO headquarters, saying the conference would provide an important platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
On her part, Dr. Kaaria highlighted AWARD’s role in empowering African women scientists through leadership development, mentorship and training programmes aimed at enhancing climate-resilient agricultural research.
“AWARD is committed to strengthening the capability, confidence and influence of African women scientists so that they can effectively lead research and innovation that responds to the continent’s agricultural and climate challenges,” said Dr. Kaaria.
She noted that women researchers continue to play a critical role in developing sustainable agricultural solutions and called for stronger partnerships between research institutions and development organizations to support their growth.
The two organizations also explored possible areas of collaboration, including gender-responsive and women-led research and development programmes as well as joint events in line with the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Participants noted that increasing women’s representation in agricultural leadership and digital innovation spaces would help improve evidence-based research, strengthen food security initiatives and enhance inclusive agricultural development.
The meeting marked a significant milestone in the growing partnership between KALRO and AWARD, with both institutions expressing commitment to empowering women leaders to drive innovation, resilience and inclusivity in Africa’s agricultural sector.
By: Samuel Mwangi
