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  Ms. Caroline Payne, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in Nairobi 
10:10 – 10:25  Presentation 1  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) 
10:25 – 10:40  Presentation 2 – Genetics & Variety Development: KALRO's contribution to improved bean materials  David Karanja , National bean program Coordinator, KALRO 
10:40 – 10:55  Presentation 3 – 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 
10:55 – 11:10  Presentation 4 – Unlocking Sustainable Consumption: Urban markets, pre-cooked beans & consumer behaviour  Mary Maritim- CEO Cherubet Foods. Spice World  
11:10 – 11:50  Panel Discussion – Scaling sustainable production, marketing and consumption of nutritious foods in Africa: barriers, enablers and next steps 
  • Ms. Kanako Sasaoi, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Kenya 
  • Anthony Kioko, CEO, Cereal Growers Association
  • David Kersten, Director, Pro-Soil Protection, GIZ  
  • Dr. Barrack Okoba, Resilient Food and Livelihood Systems Team Leader, FAO +  
  • Dr. Christine Chege, Senior Scientist & Global Thematic Lead for Market Systems for Healthy Diets, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT 
  • Charles Opiyo, Food Systems Manager, Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) 
11:50 – 12:30  Open Q&A & Networking  All participants 

Relevant resources