As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) has been actively involved in coffee research, including the development and promotion of various coffee varieties suited to different agro-ecological zones in Kenya. Coffee is a significant cash crop in Kenya, and KALRO's efforts aim to enhance the productivity, quality, and resilience of coffee cultivation. Some of the notable coffee varieties that KALRO has been associated with include:
Batian: Developed by KALRO, Batian is known for its resistance to Coffee Berry Disease (CBD) and Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR). It is a high-yielding variety that has gained popularity among Kenyan coffee farmers.
Ruiru 11: This variety was developed to address the challenges posed by Coffee Berry Disease and Coffee Leaf Rust. Ruiru 11 is resistant to these diseases and has good cup quality. It is widely cultivated in Kenya.
SL 28 and SL 34: These traditional Arabica varieties are known for their excellent cup quality. While not developed by KALRO, these varieties have been widely adopted in Kenya and are part of the country's coffee heritage.
K7: K7 is a robusta variety that is known for its suitability in low-altitude regions. It has been a focus of research to improve robusta coffee production in Kenya.
KP423: This is a high-quality Arabica variety that has been researched and promoted by KALRO for its adaptability to different ecological zones.
It's important to note that the availability and prominence of coffee varieties can evolve over time, and new varieties may have been developed or introduced since my last update. For the latest and most accurate information on coffee varieties promoted by KALRO, I recommend checking with KALRO directly or consulting recent publications and agricultural extension resources in Kenya.