A new cassava variety, genetically improved against cassava diseases, may soon be available to Kenyan farmers if the country’s National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) approves it for commercialization.
Developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), the new cassava – called KingaKUU cassava – is resistant to Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) and Mosaic Disease (CMD), two highly destructive cassava diseases that can cause up to 100% yield loss and result in annual losses estimated at US$ 1 billion.
In September 2025, KALRO submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study Report to NEMA for the proposed commercialization of KingaKUU cassava in 18 counties. Following the submission, NEMA issued a public notice in the Kenya Gazette on October 16, 2025, inviting stakeholders and members of the public to provide oral or written comments on the EIA Report within 30 days.
Kenya faces a significant unmet demand for cassava, requiring about 3 million metric tons annually against current production of just 946,000 MT. If approved, the KingaKUU variety could help close this gap and ensure a steady supply for both food and industrial uses.
With its high productivity and quality roots, KingaKUU is expected to support the growing demand for cassava in animal feeds, starch and other industrial applications – benefiting farmers, processors and manufacturers by strengthening the value chain.
By boosting production and processing, KingaKUU is also projected to create more jobs along the cassava value chain, enhance trade in cassava-based products, and contribute directly to Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.