The Alliance at KALRO Innovation Forum

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at KALRO Headquarters, Loresho, Nairobi, Kenya

The KALRO Innovation Forum, taking place in Nairobi, Kenya from 15 to 19 June 2026, is a platform that brings together researchers, policymakers, development partners, private sector actors, and other stakeholders to showcase innovations and foster dialogue on advancing sustainable and resilient agrifood systems in Kenya.

The forum highlights research-driven solutions, strategic partnerships, and emerging opportunities to address key challenges across agricultural value chains, while promoting knowledge exchange and collaboration for greater impact. 

This year's edition will feature a series of technical sessions, exhibitions, and side events focused on innovation, food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural transformation.

Our involvement

June 18, 2026

Accelerating Sustainable Production, Market Trade and Consumption

18 June 2026 10:00–12:30
KALRO Headquarters, Loresho, Nairobi, Kenya
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Jean Claude Rubyogo

Leader, Global Bean Program, and Director, Pan Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA)

This side event will showcase an integrated production corridor model that connects genetics, agronomy, markets, and consumer behaviour to boost the profitability and scalability of smallholder bean farming in Kenya. It will explore how production corridors can close yield gaps, meet rising market demand, and overcome key barriers to scaling. 

It will also highlight the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, KALRO, and PABRA collaboration on market-led bean research, improved varieties, soil health, and digital innovation. Bringing together stakeholders from research, government, the private sector, and development partners, the session will share practical solutions to strengthen value chains, improve soil health, and expand sustainable consumption, including opportunities for convenient bean products in urban markets, while fostering partnerships to accelerate impact across production corridors. 

Agenda:

Time  Session / Activity Lead / Presenter 
10:00 – 10:05  Welcome Remarks  Dr. Boaz Waswa, Senior Researcher, Soil Health, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT 
10:05 – 10:15  Opening Remarks 

Dr. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg, Managing Director, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT;  

Dr. Boaz Blackie Keizire, Director for Policy & State Capability, AGRA 
10:15 – 10:55  Lightning Presentations (5 mins each) — Headline findings across the three pillars  Moderated by: Dr. Boaz Waswa 
10:10 – 10:25  Three Decades, One Partnership: Scaling Bean Innovations in Kenya Through ABC/PABRA-KALRO partnership  Jean Claude Rubyogo Global Bean Program Leader & Director of the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA) 
10:20 – 10:25  Genetics & Variety Development: KALRO's contribution to improved bean materials  David Karanja , National bean program Coordinator, KALRO 
10:25 – 10:30  Unlocking Sustainable Consumption: Urban Markets, Pre-Cooked Beans & Value Addition  Mary Maritim, CEO, Cherubet Foods  
10:30 – 10:35  Circularity, Regenerative Agriculture & Soil Health for optimized production  Dr Job Kihara, Principal Scientist & Team Leader, Soil and Water Management, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT 
10:40 – 10:45 Market Systems & Consumer Behaviour: Bridging the Gap from Production to Plate  Dr. Christine Chege, Senior Scientist & Global Thematic Lead for Market Systems for Healthy Diets, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT 
10:45 – 10:55 Audience Reflection & Live Poll — Participants respond to 2 rapid-fire questions on their phones: “What is the single biggest barrier to scaling sustainable consumption in Kenya?”  Facilitated by Moderator 
10:55 – 11:05  Provocation Round — Moderator poses one sharp question to the room based on poll results; 2–3 panelists respond in 60 seconds each  Moderator + selected panelists 
11:05 – 11:45  Panel Discussion — Scaling sustainable production, marketing and consumption of nutritious foods in Africa: barriers, enablers and next steps. Panellists respond to pre-assigned questions (90 seconds each), followed by open exchange and audience interaction. 

Robert Delve, Senior Regional Technical Specialist (Agronomy), Sustainable Production, Markets and Institutions Division, IFAD 

Julius Rono, Agri-Food Sector Lead for Kenya and Burundi, SNV 

Charles Opiyo, Food Systems Manager, Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) 

Anthony Kioko, CEO, Cereal Growers Association  
11:45 – 11:55  Reflections Round — Each panellist shares one thing they are taking away from the discussion.  All panelists 
11:50 – 12:20  Open Q&A  All participants 
12:20 – 12:30  Networking  All participants 

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