A National Micronutrient Survey conducted in Kenya shows that 26.3 percent of preschool-age children between 6 to 59 months, 16.5 percent of school-age children aged between 9-14 years, and 41.6 percent of pregnant women had anemia. The prevalence of zinc deficiency is also high at 83.3 percent among children 6-59 months of age and 68.3 percent for pregnant women.
COUNTRY MANAGER
Penina Muoki
To help address this, through the multicountry Commercialisation of Biofortified Crops (CBC) Programme, HarvestPlus and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) are catalyzing commercial markets in Kenya for biofortified seeds, grains, and food products, focusing on three high iron bean varieties (see programme description below)
Starting in 2016, HarvestPlus worked on the Enhancing Nutrition Services to Improve Maternal and Child Health in Africa and Asia (ENRICH) project, implemented in 11 out of 20 wards within Elgeyo Marakwet County, and directly benefitting 324,200 people since it started. The ENRICH project focused on supply of OFSP and High Iron Bean for mothers and children. Eighty percent of those reached are children under two years of age, reducing maternal and child mortality, and tackling malnutrition challenges while boosting nutrient-rich, diverse diets within communities.
“Through the ENRICH project…, we plan to supply the [biofortified] beans and sweet potato to schools so that every child can get to consume these foods sustainably” Ministry of Agriculture Ward Agricultural Officer, Kenya
Biofortified Crops in Kenya*
*Includes varieties shown to meet HarvestPlus standards. Other varieties may be available in the country.
Varieties Released Database
This searchable database provides information on all biofortified crops variety releases by country.
Commercialisation of Biofortified Crops (CBC) Program (2018-2022)
In Kenya, the CBC programme aims to promote commercialisation of three high iron bean varieties namely, Nyota, Faida and Angaza. Nyota and Faida varieties belong to the red mottled type beans while Angaza variety belongs to the speckled sugar type; both types of beans are popular with farmers, traders and consumers. Currently the Nyota and Angaza varieties have been licensed to private seed companies for commercial production. This project is working with strategic public and private partners to develop a self–regulating value chain for the three varieties of beans. Capacity enhancement will be made among value chain actors including following the formal pathway to commercialization, where 11 percent of beans are traded.
Learn MoreBiofortification news in Kenya
ENRICH Program Promotes Biofortified Crops in Kenya’s Land of Champions
Margaret Kurgat wades through her lush green sweet potato plot at the back of her house. In search of a meal for her guests, she reflects back on how things have changed since she started growing sweet potatoes on her farm. “I used to work as a casual laborer to earn a living and provide for […]
First Lady Rachel Ruto, HarvestPlus, and AGRA Champion Iron-Enriched Beans for Sustainable Nutrition in Kenya
Her Excellency, the first lady of Kenya mama Rachel Ruto has spearheaded inclusion of iron beans in the Mama Organic Garden at State House Nairobi, the official presidential residence. This gesture demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and healthy and nutritious meals for the nation. Common beans are a staple crop in Kenya, […]
Unlocking Access to Nutritious Nyota Beans for All Kenyans
Since the release of the iron-rich, biofortified bean variety known as Nyota in 2017, local partners faced a challenge: low commercialization and adoption due to limited breeder seed availability and high market prices. As a result, malnutrition continued to persist among vulnerable populations, and Nyota beans remained a research product rather than a commercial staple. […]