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.
In 2019, HarvestPlus and the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) identified the main bottleneck to Nyota bean commercialization as insufficient quantities of breeder seed. With support from HarvestPlus, this issue was addressed, enabling increased seed multiplication. By 2025, David Karanja, KALRO’s National Grain Legume Coordinator noted, “Since HarvestPlus supported unlocking availability of breeder seed, the rest is history”—highlighting the resolution of the seed supply challenge.
Similarly, HarvestPlus and partners collaborated with licensed seed companies to boost investment in Nyota. By 2025, five seed companies were distributing Nyota seed through agro-dealer shops across Kenya, ensuring a major leap in supply chain development.
With the breeder seed constraint resolved, efforts shifted to increasing grain production. Between 2020 and 2024, Nyota bean production expanded significantly. In 2024, most grain buyers accessed Nyota beans at prices comparable to other red mottled bean varieties, demonstrating a substantial improvement in supply.
One processor shared: “We’ve been getting exceptionally clean Nyota beans this season in large quantities. The prices are also reasonable and stable.” However, due to the improved supply, prices fell below 2023 farmgate levels, prompting some buyers to adjust their selling prices.
The ultimate sign of success came from consumers and institutional buyers. Nyota beans are now accessible to all income groups, with prices aligned with common bean varieties at cereal shops and high-end supermarkets alike. A major milestone was achieved when Food 4 Education—a non-governmental organization responsible for Kenya’s school feeding program approved Nyota for school meals.
As the CEO of Delish and Nutri Company noted, “We received the strong endorsement from Food 4 Education when they tested Nyota beans against many parameters including taste, and confirmed they meet their standards. They’re ready to purchase at a reasonable price.” He added “Since 2024, We have been supplying about 20 schools and have traded over 60 MT of Nyota beans”.
From a research innovation to a commercial staple, the journey of Nyota beans showcases the impact of collaborative partnerships and market-driven demand. By addressing seed supply constraints, influencing farm-gate prices, and expanding availability, Nyota beans are now enhancing diets and improving nutrition outcomes across Kenya.