On June 17, 2025, thirteen (13) farmers and three (3) staff from the Cereal Growers Association (CGA) participated in a day-long training session at the University of Eldoret’s biotechnology lab, focusing on potato seedling production. Ten farmers were drawn from different potato farming groups in Laikipia County, notably Karuga Youth Group, Gatero Women Group, Wakulima Group, Muhotetu Group, Peace Makers Group and Makutano B. Women Group, Sipili. Three (3) of the farmers were from potato growing groups in Uasin Gishu namely Kalyet Youth Group, Kuona Mbele Cooperatrive Society and Bandaptai Youth Group. They were accompanied by CGA Staff; Ms. Leonida Chirchir (Agribusiness Coordinator, Laikipia County), Mr. Geoffrey Ng’eno (Agribusiness Coordinator, Uasin Gishu County) and Ms. Sheila Kosgei (Agribusiness Coordinator, Uasin Gishu County). The latter is also a post-graduate student pursuing MSc. Food Security at the Department of Family & Consumer Sciences, University of Eldoret.

Upon arrival at the University, the farmers were received by the Outreach Coordinator, Dr. Heka Kamau, Ms. Ann Njoki (Outreach) and Dr. Stephen Kimno who represented the Biotechnology Department. The farmers were taken through an introduction of the University of Eldoret, the Outreach Centre and the role that the OC plays in linking the University to the community through capacity building. They then proceeded to the Biotechnology laboratory for the training.

The session began with an introduction to the lab’s work in crop improvement using biotechnological techniques, highlighting ongoing research and released varieties of crops such as potato, wheat, cassava, dolichos, and pyrethrum. The farmers’ primary interest was potato production, and they were introduced to three specific potato varieties—Eldo-Amani, Eldo-Fanaka, and Eldo-Bidii—along with their unique qualities.

The training covered three propagation methods for clean potato seedlings: seed tuber, apical cuttings, and tissue culture. Key topics included the importance of certified seeds, media and conditions for cuttings, fertilizer application, disease and pest control (both cultural and chemical), and post-harvest storage to minimize losses.

Farmers also had the opportunity to observe tissue culture potato plants and stem cuttings in the lab and greenhouse. The session, facilitated by Dr. Stephen Kimno and Mr. Nathan Muasya from the Department of Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, provided practical knowledge to enhance potato production through modern biotechnological approaches.