Besides its national mandate, GeRRI has global and regional mandates. GeRRI’s Genebank doubles up as a global repository of sesame as well as a regional duplicate repository for African sorghums, millets and pigeon peas. GeRRI executes these mandates through germplasm collection/acquisition, characterization, evaluation, regeneration, multiplication, distribution of germplasm to various users and documentation of all the data generated during these operations. As part of it mandate, GeRRI has made its germplasm collection available to interested users under the terms of existing national and international policy frameworks.

The vision of the institute is excellence in genetic resources conservation and use in support of agricultural and livestock research for transformed livelihoods.
Its mission is to harness, conserve and promote greater and sustainable use of genetic resources as a basis for delivering technologies and innovations to catalyse sustainable growth and development in agriculture and livestock product value chains.

The institute is mandated to;

i. Conserve, manage and provide access to a diverse collection of plant, animal and microbial genetic resources in order to enhance food security and sustainability
ii. Generate and disseminate knowledge, technologies and innovations for effective conservation and utilization of plant, animal and microbial genetic resources
iii. Facilitate and advocate for the development of policy and institutional frameworks that support the conservation and utilization of genetic resources
iv. Raise awareness and profile of plant, animal and microbial genetic resources and their potential in contributing to food security and agricultural resilience in the face of climate change

Conservation and research activities at the Genebank are organized into 4 operational units namely:-

1. Germplasm exploration and collection – This unit is responsible for the acquisition of diverse genetic material from different sources including natural habitats, cultivated fields or markets. The unit ensures that the material is legally acquired, represents novel diversity, is of high quality and is properly documented. Its key activities include;

i. Collection gap analysis – this involves identifying missing taxa and those whose diversity is underrepresented in the existing collection.
ii. Setting collection priorities in terms of target area and target taxa
iii. Planning exploration and collection expeditions
iv. Undertaking the planned field expeditions

2. Seed Science, technology and conservation – This is an integral section in genebanking as it manages the core genebank operations. The unit is responsible for receiving, processing and banking of seed materials arriving from donations, field collections or regeneration/ multiplication. It ensures that the germplasm collection is secure and seed quality is maintained as this is the hallmark of good genebank management. To achieve this, the unit performs the following functions:-Germplasm registration

i. Seed processing which involves seed extraction and cleaning to ensure optimal physical seed quality.

ii. Seed drying to appropriate moisture levels, moisture content determination and monitoring.

iii. Seed viability determination and monitoring : Undertaking seed science research to address various technical constraints to seed conservation. This includes developing and refining seed germination and dormancy breaking techniques as well as studying seed storage behaviour.

iv. Seed packaging and storage under hermetic and appropriate temperature conditions
v. Safety backup of conserved materials to safe guard them from natural disasters or other unforeseen events

vi. Germplasm distribution for use and inventory monitoring (in liaison with the documentation section).KALR

3. Germplasm regeneration, characterization, evaluation and multiplication – Materials conserved in the genebank undergo aging albeit slowly leading to decline in seed viability. Furthermore, due to distribution for utilization in research, breeding and direct use by farmers, seed samples get depleted. The role of this unit include;

i. Genetic diversity assessment – This involves analysing and documenting the genetic variation available in the conserved germplasm and its value in crop improvement and research. This is done through characterization and evaluation and involves use of both morphological and molecular tools.
ii. Replenishing seeds that have been depleted through germplasm distribution
iii. Seed rejuvenation in order to get fresh seed samples with high seed viability

4. Documentation and information management - Effective documentation and information management (DIM) is essential to maintaining the value of the collections and enhance their access. The unit is the custodian of all data generated from the other units. The critical role the unit plays in promoting biodiversity conservation, agricultural development and scientific research include;

• Germplasm data management using the GRIN-Global Community Edition as its main information system.
• Metadata management and standardization to ensure that data is consistent and comparable across different samples thus facilitating data analysis and sharing.
• Information dissemination by sharing information about the genebank’s collections through KALRO Plant Genetic Resources Platform and the Global Information System on PGRFA (GLIS) https://glis.fao.org/glis/entity/registrant-search?regid=1370&ctry=KEN.
• Facilitating germplasm distribution in liaison with conservation section. Germplasm distribution is done following existing national and international policy frameworks.

5. Germplasm user engagement – this is an emerging concept that is driven by the need to ensure that there is greater partnership and engagement between the genebank and germplasm users, particularly the farmers. Over the years, linkages between the genebank and farmers has been poor leading to poor utilization of conserved genetic resources. Developing stronger and structured linkages with farmers is allowing farmers to select their preferred genotypes thus ensuring greater use of the collection.

Research and Development

The institute provides useful genetic material to breeders to develop new varieties with improved traits. GeRRI also supports genetic research by collaborating with scientists to analyse and understand the genetic value of the conserved genetic resources.

Capacity Building

GeRRI often organises stakeholder meetings and training workshops to train and raise awareness amongst researchers, farmers and students on the value and importance of genetic resources, role of the genebank in seed conservation and its operations. Staff exchange programmes have also been organized between GeRRI and other organizations, particularly the international genebanks. These have been aimed at enhancing the technical capacity of GeRRI to meet international conservation standards.

Policy Support:

GeRRI has played a big role in advocating for policies that support the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources both locally and internationally. This includes providing technical expertise during various national policy making initiatives.  Some key policy frameworks that GeRRI has actively participated include;

a) National policies: Access and benefit sharing regulations 2006, National biodiversity strategies and action plans (NBSAPs), review of the Seeds and Plant varieties Act 2016, review of the National Seed Policy and the Draft Seeds and Plant Varieties (Conservation, Access and Benefits Sharing of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture) Regulations, 2024

b) International policies: the Conservation on Biological Diversity (CBD), Nagoya protocol and International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for food and agriculture (ITPGRFA)

The Research Institute has made significant contributions to Kenya's agricultural sector, including:

1. GeRRI has to date amassed close to 52,000 accessions comprising about 1,800 plant species. This is an invaluable genetic resource for research, direct use by farmers and breeding well-adapted, resilient varieties for improved crop productivity and enhanced food security. Included in this collection are over 10 plant species which are new to science and conservation, with some of them being wild crop relatives of tomato and African leafy vegetables that are key to food nutrition and security.

2. GeRRI has developed a pathway through which farmers can access quality seed of promising genotypes. This pathway has provided farmers an opportunity to select superior, climate adapted and nutritionally rich genotypes that possess various farmer preferred traits. In piloting the development of this pathway, GeRRI has provided quality seeds of 68 farmer preferred sorghum and finger millet genotypes directly to more than 500 farmers.

3. GeRRI has developed and adopted a comprehensive Genebank Quality Management System (QMS), encompassing 8 standard operating procedures (SOPs) to optimize diverse genebank operations and mitigate risks, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency.

4. Through participatory variety selection conducted in various locations, 4 farmer preferred sorghum and finger millet germplasm subsets have been assembled and the data shared on Genesys (https://www.genesys-pgr.org/). Some of the genotypes in these germplasm subsets have been disseminated to farmers thereby increasing the sorghum and finger millet varietal diversity available to the farming communities.

5. To understand the genetic diversity of the conserved germplasm, GeRRI has conducted characterization and diversity assessment of various crops namely sorghum, millets, sesame, groundnuts, maize and pulses. A total of 18 agro-characterization datasets have been published on Genesys (https://www.genesys-pgr.org/). This data will enable targeted selection and use of appropriate germplasm from GeRRI’s collection.

6. As a commitment to safeguard its conserved germplasm from natural disasters and other unforeseen catastrophes, GeRRI has safety duplicated 3,850 accessions to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.

7. GeRRI has remained committed to the Global System of plant genetic resources conservation and use. Though this commitment, GeRRI has continued to make its germplasm accessible internationally. It has recently provided close to 1 tonne of forage seed for use in restoring degraded habitats in the Sahel region under the African Great Green Wall initiative spearheaded by FAO. Similarly, over the last 5 years, the institute has distributed 894 samples to research and breeding programs playing a big role in providing raw materials for developing improved varieties. Several improved varieties have been developed using germplasm sourced from GeRRI.

8. Over the last 4 years (2021-2024), GeRRI has made significant progress in clearing operational backlogs in germplasm regeneration. During this period, a total of 4,123 accessions of cowpeas, mung beans, pigeon peas, sorghum, finger millet and pearl millet have been regenerated. This is a step geared towards facilitating access to quality germplasm.

9. GeRRI has continued to be instrumental in guiding the formulation of policy on diverse areas of biodiversity conservation. These include Kenya national strategy on genetic resources within the context of climate change and several policy briefs on community seed banking, institutional arrangements, access and benefit sharing and mainstreaming conservation of plant genetic resources into climate change adaptation planning strategies. Others include the Draft Seeds and Plant Varieties (Conservation, Access and Benefits Sharing of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture) Regulations, 2024 and Busia County biodiversity conservation policy.

GeRRI is located at Muguga in Kiambu County, 28km from Nairobi. It also maintains ex situ field genebanks at various KALRO Centres for the conservation of non-orthodox seeded and clonally propagated species.

Click here to Visit KALRO Plant Genetic Resources Platform

Germplasm Distribution and Exchange Policy

The Institute supplies limited quantities of seeds to farmers, researchers, breeders, and students who agree to the terms outlined in the Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) or the Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA).
Guidelines for Seed Orders

1.  Check Local Regulations: Before placing an order, ensure that the seed (taxa) you wish to request is permitted in your region or country. Consult the relevant authorities to understand any bio-safety risks associated with the movement of the material in your area. An import permit will be required before GeRRI ships any seeds outside the country.
2. Browse Available Accessions: KALRO Plant Genetic Resources Platform to view the available accessions. Confirm that the material you need is listed as available. Note that the genebank typically does not distribute materials marked as unavailable, except under special circumstances.
3. Select and Add to Cart: Use the provided filter criteria to select the desired accession and add it to your cart. Provide detailed information about your request by completing the required fields.
4. Submit and Monitor Correspondence: Submit your application and regularly check your email for any updates or communications from GeRRI regarding your request.
   Germplasm requests can also be submitted by email to: director.grri@kalro.org

Click here to request for Germplasm

Service Charter 

Partnerships and Collaborations
The Institute collaborates with various national and international organizations, including:
a) National partners

• • Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development
  • National Museums of Kenya (NMK)
  • Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) 
  • Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) 
  • Kenya Forest Service (KFS) 
  • National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) 
  • Universities
  • Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS) 
  • Seed Savers Network and various community based organizations (CBOs)

b) International partners

• The Crop Trust 
• Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, UK (RBG) (Royal Botanic Gardens Kew)
• Alliance of CIAT and Bioversity International 
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 

Future Direction include;

1. Enhanced Research: Promoting open access policies to facilitate the sharing and exchange of germplasm and associated data among researchers.
2. Digital Agriculture: Leveraging ICT technologies such as crowdsourcing and citizen science approaches in selecting and deploying appropriate germplasm among the farming communities. There is also need to take advantage of robust digital infrastructure to manage germplasm collections, including online databases and digital repositories.
3. Sustainable Practices: Promoting the partnership and engagement between the genebank and farmers as well as other germplasm users to ensure wide access and use of conserved germplasm. This will include supporting community based biodiversity management such as the establishment of community-based gene banks to preserve local crop diversity and traditional knowledge.
4. Youth and Women Empowerment: Engaging youth and women in conservation activities, as seed ambassadors, diversity champions and custodian farmers

Physical Address: KALRO Muguga
Postal Address: P.O. Box 781 – 00902 Kikuyu
Email: director.grri@kalro.org