Jerono Cheserek

Dr. Cherono Cheserek is a distinguished Plant Breeder and Chief Research Scientist at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization–Coffee Research Institute (KALRO-CRI). With years of experience in agricultural science, she has played a central role in strengthening Kenya’s coffee sector through innovative breeding programs, sustainable farming practices, and scientific research tailored to the country’s unique climatic and agricultural challenges.

Dr. Cheserek specializes in developing high-yielding, disease-resistant coffee varieties that are not only more resilient to climate change but also meet global quality standards. Her work directly contributes to improving the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder coffee farmers by enhancing crop productivity, profitability, and sustainability.

As one of the few women in a leadership position within the agricultural research field, she has broken gender barriers and continues to mentor young women scientists. Her contributions extend to policy advisory roles, research publications, and collaborations with international agricultural bodies focused on food security and crop improvement.

Dr. Cherono Cheserek’s dedication to coffee science and agricultural development has made her a respected voice in both local and international arenas, shaping the future of Kenyan coffee and setting a benchmark for excellence in agricultural research.