The Kenya Sugar Research and Training Institute (KESRETI) conducts research in a wide range of areas aimed at improving the sugar industry in Kenya. According to the Sugar Act (2024) , the key research areas and functions of KESRETI include:
- Promoting, coordinating, and regulating research on sugar, sugar crops, sugar by-products, sugar technologies, and management practices.
- Developing quality-planting materials and breeding sugarcane varieties suited for various agro-ecological zones in Kenya.
- Conducting research on the nutritional requirements of sugar crops to recommend appropriate inputs.
- Appraising technologies related to land preparation, drainage, and water management for cost-effective sugarcane production.
- Studying and monitoring pests and diseases affecting sugar crops and recommending control strategies.
- Developing agronomic packages for sugar crop maintenance and management.
- Conducting socio-economic investigations to improve human resource management and enhance the sugar industry as an agribusiness.
- Testing, designing, and evaluating farm machinery, transport, and factory equipment to improve sugar production efficiency.
- Promoting technology transfer through training, extension services, and dissemination of research findings.
- Supporting training and capacity building related to sugar industry research.
- Fostering research on sustainable productivity, environmental issues, and human safety in sugar production.
- Collaborating with institutions such as the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and other stakeholders to enhance research and innovation.
- These research areas collectively aim to improve sugar yield and quality, reduce production costs, enhance sustainability, and support the competitiveness of Kenya’s sugar industry.