CABI scientists, in collaboration with the Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), are advancing efforts to multiply and bulk seeds of two Kinale kale varieties. These varieties, initially investigated and registered over two decades ago, are being reintroduced for their pest resistance, yield potential, and leaf quality.
Lucy Karanja and Duncan Chacha from CABI's Regional Centre for Africa, together with KALRO colleagues, are spearheading this initiative. The project aims to enhance local agribusiness by reviving seed systems, facilitating market access for farmers, and establishing self-sustaining seed businesses that bolster income and job creation across the value chain.
Kinale kale, or Matharu, is a traditional leafy vegetable prevalent in Kenyan regions such as Mombasa, Nairobi, Central, and Eastern areas. Known for its large green leaves, the crop matures within 90 days after transplanting and allows multiple harvests, offering higher yields compared to other commercial kale varieties.
Despite its popularity, farmers encounter challenges in commercial cultivation due to limited access to high-quality seeds. Traditional Kinale kale seeds are scarcely available through local stockists, leading to reliance on cuttings and resulting in genetically mixed crops with inconsistent quality and performance.
Ms. Karanja, a researcher at CABI, stated, "Reintroducing clean, improved seed lines will help restore genetic purity, enhance crop uniformity, and boost productivity, making the variety more viable for commercial production."
Between 2003 and 2005, CABI and KALRO selected superior plants from Kinale ward, Kiambu County, and developed five improved lines, with two selected for seed production. However, the project stalled until 2023, when the original improved seeds were rediscovered to revive seed bulking for Kenyan farmers.
Mr. Chacha noted, "Unfortunately, efforts to commercialize these improved seeds did not progress as planned, and the seed stock held by the local partner gradually lost its viability. However, between 2023 and 2024, we embarked on fresh seed production to ensure availability for planting this year."
Dr. Monica Kansiime highlighted the renewed focus on agribusiness development, aiming to support low-income farmers with affordable, climate-resilient crop varieties. The initiative will engage women- and youth-led groups in seed bulking activities, enhancing income-generating opportunities within the seed value chain.
In April 2025, CABI 1 and CABI 2 varieties were transplanted at test sites, with plans to monitor plant health and growth rates. The ultimate goal is to clean the seed and facilitate farmer-led seed bulking.
Source: CABI