Kenya Industrial Research & Development Institute (KIRDI)

Smiles, hope, and a healthier future for our children—today, the Uji Afya Project was officially launched in Nyamira County.

This initiative means one thing: every child in the programme gets access to a warm, nutritious meal each school day.

Developed by KIRDI’s research experts, this enriched porridge is designed to boost growth, concentration, and overall wellbeing—giving learners a better chance to succeed in class and in life.

KIRDI’s Ag Director General, accompanied by management and staff, reiterated the Institute’s commitment to delivering practical, research-driven solutions that transform lives. He noted that the Uji Afya Project is a testament to KIRDI’s role in advancing nutrition, education, and community development through innovation.

Because when we nourish a child, we empower a future.

𝙉𝙮𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙧𝙖 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙮 | 𝙇𝙖𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙝 𝘿𝙖𝙮

Today marked a turning point for every young learner in Government of Nyamira. The Uji Afya project is officially live, and the Governor's vision is 𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗱: all 𝟰𝟬𝟴 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 enrolled by 3rd term.
What makes this truly special isn't just the nutrition , it's the model behind it. Uji Afya is built on a multi-sectoral, circular approach:
1. Local farmers' cooperatives supply the raw produce keeping money circulating within Nyamira
2. Parents in ECD communities are active partners
3. School principals are embedded in the programme
4. KIRDI's food scientists ensure every cup is scientifically formulated

Deliveries reach schools every two weeks consistent and reliable.
Governor Amos Nyaribo expressed deep gratitude to partners KIRDI and the Rockefeller Foundation for making this possible.
Every child. Every school. Every cup of uji — a investment in Nyamira's future.

Today, we were delighted to open our doors to 11 members of the Kakuma Mushrooms Village Savings and Loan Association from Kakuma, Turkana County, who visited our facility for an industrial exposure tour.
At KIRDI, we drive industrial and technological development that reaches every corner of Kenya and this visit is a perfect example of that mission in action. Here is what the group experienced at our facility:
Food Division — Our team walked the visitors through food processing and preservation technologies, highlighting how raw produce be transformed into shelf ready, high-value products. The group gained valuable insight into how value addition can significantly increase incomes for small scale farmers and savings groups.
Mushroom Unit —The highlight of the visit! We showcased our mushroom cultivation and value addition processes, from substrate preparation and spawn production to drying, packaging, and product diversification. The Kakuma Mushrooms members engaged with the KIRDI team drawing direct connections to their operations back home, exactly the kind of learning exchange we love to see!
We commend the Kakuma Mushrooms Village Savings and Loan Association for their initiative and passion for growing their community enterprise. It is groups like these driven, organised, and eager to learn that inspire us to keep pushing the boundaries of industrial innovation for grassroots Kenya.
We look forward to seeing the seeds planted during this visit flourish in Kakuma and beyond. Our doors remain open

LIVE 📽️🎥 The Uji Afya project is officially underway in Nyamira County.
As we speak, H.E. Governor Amos Nyaribo is leading the launch of a groundbreaking school nutrition initiative, bringing scientifically formulated, KIRDI-developed porridge to students across the county.
This is what community led development looks like in action. Proud to witness it live.

KIRDI was proudly represented by Dr. Hannah Kamano at the Youth Employability Summit 2026 hosted by Kiambu County Government today, 13th May 2026.
Dr. Kamano highlighted KIRDI’s role in youth capacity building and incubation programs that turn skills into viable enterprises.

Today, we had an exclusive look behind the scenes of the transformative Uji Afya project, a groundbreaking initiative by KIRDI, proudly funded by the Nyamira County government. At its heart is a commitment to the health and academic success of our students.

Spearheaded by dedicated experts like Lamech Mogire and Susan Luvita, Senior Research Scientists at KIRDI, this project isn't just about porridge; it's about pioneering nutrition. Lamech and his team meticulously craft a uniquely balanced uji, starting with carefully selected raw materials. From roasting soya to precision milling of millet and maize flour, every step ensures a product that is not only delicious but also scientifically formulated for optimal nourishment. This innovative blend, enriched with essential ingredients like soya and natural sugars, stands as a testament to KIRDI's research prowess in developing a truly superior, fully balanced meal.

This vital initiative ensures that students in identified schools across Nyamira County receive a daily, nutritious meal, directly supporting their growth and learning.

Join us tomorrow, May 14, 2026, as the Uji Afya project officially launches, led by esteemed Nyamira Governor, . Amos Nyaribo . This marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards a healthier, brighter future for the children of Nyamira.

The Kenya Industrial Research & Development Institute (KIRDI) today officially commenced a three-day internal staff training programme running from 12th-14th May 2026, aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing operational excellence.

The training was officially opened by KIRDI's Director of Corporate Services, Dr. Josephine Akama.

The training is for staff from the Leather and Textiles Department and the Finance Department. Leather and Textiles Department focused on Methods of analysis and waste management; while finance department focused on public finance management, compliance, budget preparation and financial statement preparation.

This initiative underscores KIRDI's commitment to continuous professional development and building a highly skilled workforce to drive innovation and industrial transformation in Kenya

To all mothers, your love, sacrifice, and strength inspire us more than words can say. Happy Mother’s Day. 🌷
💔

KIRDI and e Consulting (MSC) Ltd have signed a Cooperation Agreement to jointly develop the National Industrial Circularity Enablement Platform — a game-changing initiative to make Kenya's industries cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable.

The platform will tackle everything from waste-to-resource exchange, circular economy feasibility, innovative waste treatment, to financing and scaling solutions.

Our Acting Director General called it a natural evolution of feasibility studies he personally championed — now becoming real, concrete action.

Together, we're building a greener industrial future for Kenya.

KIRDI and Aizono & Associates Ltd have signed a Cooperation Agreement.

This partnership is all about bringing world-class Japanese industrial know-how to Kenya's businesses and manufacturers. Here's what we're working on together:

1. KAIZEN Training & Guidance — Helping local businesses improve quality, efficiency, and productivity using proven Japanese KAIZEN methods.

2. Practical Learning Fields — Transforming KIRDI's facilities into real-world learning environments where enterprises can see industrial improvements in action.

3. Funding for Growth — Working together to unlock Japanese funding (Samurai Fund, JICA & more) to modernize facilities and power our joint programs.

Kenya's industrial future is looking brighter

𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐀𝐓 𝐊𝐈𝐑𝐃𝐈

Kenya Industrial Research & Development Institute (KIRDI) is conducting a 3-day internal training aimed at strengthening staff expertise and operational efficiency.

The training covers Laboratory Standards (ISO 17025), focusing on key areas such as uncertainty of measurement, equipment operation and SOPs, protocols, methods and results writing, as well as technical presentations.

In addition, sessions on Measurement & Equipment Operations are being undertaken, with emphasis on KAIZEN in routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration.

These trainings reinforce KIRDI’s commitment to enhancing staff competence, improving service delivery, and promoting continuous professional development in line with international standards.