INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT REPORT

FIELD ATTACHMENT REPORT AT KALRO TEA RESEARCH INSTITUTE

P.O BOX 820-20200,

KERICHO.

INDUSTRIAL FIELD ATTACHMENT REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY

AUGUST 2023

DECLARATION

DECLARATION BY THE CANDIDATE

I hereby declare that this report compiled during my attachment period is my original work and has not been presented by any other person in any other place for the award of any Diploma.

Name: ………………………………………………………………… signed…………

REG NO:

SIGNATURE ………………………………DATE…………….…………

RECOMMENDATION

This report has been forwarded with my approval as the College Supervisor Lead

Name ……………………………………………………………

Signed ………………… Date …………………………………

ABSTRACT

Tea Research Institute (TRI), is one the research institutes created under the KALRO Act of 2013. It was established to replace the former Tea Research Foundation of Kenya (TRFK) to contribute to the overall production, processing and marketing of tea. Research on tea was introduced in Kenya in 1949 by Brooke Bond through their company known as African Tea Holding limited. It later evolved to Tea Research Institute of East Africa (TRIEA) in 1951.The Research Foundation of Kenya is situated in Kericho Count, Kipkelion East Sub County, Chagaik location, and Timbilil estate.My field attachment duties and responsibilities revolved around Tea Breeding and Genetic improvement department. Having completed my attachment duration, I have been able to get experience of activities the organization run. Availability of modern lab equipment's to promote research in agriculture Improve market competitiveness of tea produced by small holder tea growers My attachment period at Tea Research Institute-Kericho has provided me with the skills and experience by doing practical in parts which were theoretical information. The institute should give some allowances to the attaches so as to motivate them during their attachment period. Improvement of infrastructure should be given priority for quick access to the institute and transportation of equipment.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First, I thank the Almighty Father for the far He has brought me, for His care and protection and for giving me good health and strength. My sincere gratitude goes to the institute Director Dr.Kamunya for giving me a place in Tea Research Institute, my Industrial Supervisor Mr. Robert Korir for attachment programme that has enable me to gain practical skills and knowledge on what is going on in the field. My appreciation also goes to Mrs. Rahab Cheruiyot and Mr. Kamau my attachment trainers for their relentless support and dedication during my attachment period.

DEDICATION

I dedicate this report to my family, relatives and friends for their financial support during the attachment period. I do appreciate the sacrifices that you have made for me to this far and especially during my attachment period at KALRO Tea Research Institute. Thank you so much and God bless you more abundantly. I also dedicate it to Tea Breeding and Genetic Improvement (TBGI) department.

Table of Contents

DECLARATION i

DECLARATION BY THE CANDIDATE i

RECOMMENDATION i

ABSTRACT ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iii

DEDICATION iv

LIST OF ABBREVIATION vi

1.0 CHAPTER ONE 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1.2 Tea Breeding Genetic and Improvement (TBGI) 2

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE ATTACHMENT 2

2.0 CHAPTER TWO 3

2.1.1 Ecological factors 3

Climate 3

Rainfall 3

Temperature 3

Soil 3

Drainage 4

Institute will: 4

2.1.2 Tea Research Institute Core Values 4

2.2.1 TRI PROGRAMMES 7

2.2.2 Crop Improvement and Management 7

Vision 8

Mission 8

Mandate 9

The institute mandate is to promote research and investigate problems related to tea and such other crops and systems of husbandry as are associated with tea throughout Kenya including the productivity, quality and sustainability of land in relation to tea planting. In addition the 9

3.0 CHAPTER THREE 10

3.1 FIELD ATTACHMENT ACTIVITIES 10

3.2 SKILLS KNOWLEDGE AND WORK EXPERIENCE 11

3.3 CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED AND THEIR SOLUTIONS 12

How the challenges were solved 13

4.0 CHAPTER FOUR 14

4.1 Strength 14

5.1 CONCLUSION 15

4.3 RECOMMENDATON 15

Appendices 16

Types of Nursery Beds 16

LIST OF ABBREVIATION

KALRO – Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organisation

TRI – Tea Research Institute

TBGI – Tea Breeding and Genetic Improvement

CIM – Crop Improvement

EFAAC –Economic Field Advisory and Corporate Communication

IPDM – Integrated Pest and Disease Management

Kms – Kilometres

TRIEA - Tea Research Institute of East Africa

LIST OF TABLE

Table 1.Pests affecting tea, their symptoms and control measures

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1 organizational structure

1.0 CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The Institute has developed over 914 improved clones, out of which 51 clones have been selected for consistent superiority in yield and quality and released for commercial exploitation by both smallholder and large estate growers. Thirteen of these clones yield between 5,000 and 8,000 kg of processed tea per hectare per year. These yield levels are some of the highest in the world and are three times the average yields of unimproved tea varieties.

The Tea Research Institute has reoriented its research agenda to focus more on tea products diversification, value addition and Tea and health. Tea Research Institute has developed a new tea clone "Purple tea" rich in a pigment called anthocyanin widely used for the manufacturing of fast moving consumer goods such as soaps, shampoo and detergents. Research is currently assessing the potential health benefits relating to anti-inflammatory and anti-parasite properties some of which may be used to protect the liver from damage.

Towards addressing issues on climate change and to enable the tea industry to survive the expected negative impacts, Tea Research Institute is developing new technologies to mitigate the effects, including environmental conservation efforts and development of new tea varieties resistant to negative impacts of climate change as well as tea management technologies that mitigate against climate change.

TRI was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act (Cap 486) of the laws of Kenya. TRI formerly was categorized as a state corporation as per the state corporation act (cap 446). The TRI activities are funded mainly (70%) by the Tea Board of Kenya on the basis of tea growing area and amounts of made tea annually. The difference (30%) of the expenditure is internally generated by TRI from its own tea estate, sale of planting material, advisory analytical services, sale of publications and other services.

The research institute director is the chief executive as provided for by the foundations Memorandum and Articles of Association (1980) and the state Corporations Act (Cap 446).TRI has five programs: Crop Improvement and Management (CIM), Tea Processing And Value Addition (TPVA), Sustainable Ecosystem Management And Conservation (SEMC),Economics, Field Advisory And Corporate Communication( EFACC), Support Services Management( SSM).TRI has a total land area of 413.ha with a mature tea plantation of 210 Ha

Tea Research Institute is one of the sixteen research institute created under KALRO. Its mandate is to promote research and investigate problems related to tea and systems of husbandry as are associated with tea throughout Kenya including productivity.

1.1.2 Tea Breeding Genetic and Improvement (TBGI)

They deal with clones (vegetative propagation) and hybridization. The programme is guided by objectives which includes;

To produce a cultivar that is of high yielding and of high quality

To produce cultivars that is both tolerant to biotic and abiotic factors eg. high temperatures

Breeding for pest and disease resistance

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE ATTACHMENT

To optimize student learning experience, complementing the field of study.

Germplasm improvement and management: to manage and use existing and introduced tea germplasm resource and to develop elite tea cultivars for enhanced and sustainable tea production in Kenya.

To optimize fertilizers use in relation to tea production and processing developed approach and sustainable plant and soil technologies.

To develop appropriate tea handling, processing and value addition technologies for tea industry.

To develop environment friendly methods of pests and disease management for sustainable tea production.

2.0 CHAPTER TWO

2.1 Background information

The Research Foundation of Kenya is situated in Kericho Count, Kipkelion East Sub County, Chagaik location, and Timbilil estate. It is located at an altitude of 2178 m above sea level, Latitude of 0º 22’ South and longitude of 35º 21’ East. The station is five kilometres from the main road (Kericho- Nakuru highway) and 10 km South East of Kericho town. The institute borders Mau forest to the South, Government forest (Cheboswa) to the North, Sambret estate (Ekatera) to the East, and (James Finlay) to the West.

2.1.1 Ecological factors

Climate

The climate at the headquarters of TRI is dominated by the effect of high altitude and its proximity to the Lake Victoria. This results in uniform, but relatively low prevailing air and soil temperature throughout the year. There are annual droughts of variable duration and intensity.

Rainfall

Rainfall is well distributed except during the short dry season in January and February. The wettest months are April and May, though there is no real break between the short and long rains. Total annual rainfall ranges from 1200 mm- 2700 mm.

Temperature

It ranges from about 16ºC to about 25ºC. The coldest month is usually July with an average of 16.6ºC, while the hottest season starts from December to February with temperatures ranging from about 17.8ºC to 18.1ºC. Temperature variation is usually seasonal.

Soil

The station’s geology is characterized by volcanic type of soil, reddish brown or dark brown with (nitisol type soil) with a pH ranging from 4.6-5.6 (acidic).

Topography

The topography is composed mainly of gentle sloping that is generally gentle to flat to the North and a steep slope to the South. There are many depressions and valley that form river sources outside the Foundation. The highest point has an elevation of 2200 m and is generally flat. The lowest point is the Southwest near Timbilil River with an elevation of 2085 m.

Drainage

Tea Research Foundation of Kenya has mainly a dendrite type of drainage pattern. The main river is Timbilil, which is fed by many tributaries including Sambret River and Tea Research Foundation stream. Timbilil River is situated south of the Foundation along Mau forest. It has two tributaries; one is an intermittent river going underground and emerging at the water pump.

2.1.2 Tea Research Institute Core Values

The foundation is guided by the following set of core values:

Innovativeness- the foundation is determined to improve tea productivity, quality and products through innovative research.

Professionalism-the company is committed to provision of quality technologies and services

Teamwork-committed to working effectively and efficiently with its stakeholders

Creativity-the institutions is determined to empower the tea industry through critical thinking

Integrity-committed to running research programs in an honest, transparent and accountable manner all the time.

Environmental consciousness-the foundation is also committed in conserving the environment while discharging their mandate.

2.2 Organizational Structure of Tea Research Institute

The Foundation is run by the board of directors. It is headed by the director as the chief executive officer assisted by the deputy director who also co-ordinates all the programs. The two are assisted by the finance and administration managers. It has five main technical programs headed by program leaders. The everyday activities of the foundation are run by various units tasked with different activities.

Figure 1.1 organizational structure

2.2.1 TRI PROGRAMMES

The Tea Research Institute has the following programs:

2.2.2 Crop Improvement and Management

Its goal is to improve productivity in tea ecosystems. Use of vegetative propagated tea cultivars is the most important exercise without application of agronomic inputs like fertilizer application. CIM has adopted integrated breeding strategies to develop elite and high value tea varieties that combine multiple desirable traits using conventional and non-conventional methods e.g. biotechnology.

Thus, the institute has release stress tolerant clones, high yielding cultivars that will produce better quality black tea products and disease resistant clones. Some of the cultivars the institute intends to release will include at least more cultivars for production of high value diversified tea products such as green tea(non-fermented),white tea(silvery tips),Oolong tea(semi-fermented), purple tea, red tea and naturally caffeine-free teas that are rich in antioxidants.

b) Integrated pest and diseases management

Core mandate is to do research on how to control pest and diseases

This department is made up of two sections:

a) Entomology section

b) Crop pathology

It mainly deals with various pests (Entomology) and diseases (pathology) associated with tea plants and management strategies for those pests and disease. Tea pest include, tea mite, yellow tea trips, tea weevils, scale insects, tea mosquito bug, mole rats and porcupines. Tea diseases such as brown leaf spot, grey leaf spot, and Armillaria root rot.

Table 1.Pests affecting tea, their symptoms and control measures

PESTS

SYMPTOMES

CONTROL MEASURES

1. Scale insect

Leaf turn black with sooty

Moulds.

Pruning and spraying with Caltex.

2. Tea mosquito bug

Dark brown spot on the second leaf.

Weed control, shorter plucking intervals and pruning.

3.Moles and porcupines

Stunted growth, wilting

Fumigation with Detia, trapping and weed control

4.Yellow tea trips

Margins are cracked and leave turn brown.

Hard plucking and spray using pyrethrine

Tea Breeding and Genetic improvement

Core mandate is to do breeding of tea

This department is involved in establishing seed baries that is polyclonal and biclonal seed baries used to develop new tea cultivars .Genetic unit has four tools: tissue culture, anatomy and cytological tool and molecular and genomics that deal with extraction and quantification of DNA and RNA in different clones of tea. In genomics, they test various pathways to determine variable genes present in different clones. It is also involve in genetic scope study to enhance variability this is important in preventing wiping of entire tea plantation in case of outbreak of disease or pest. Thus the institute has released 58 improved tea cultivators, some of which are tolerant to biotic and abiotic stress and high yielding clones.

Vision

To be a global leader in research on tea

Mission

To generate and disseminate technology and knowledge, through innovation research, for improved production, processing, value addition and marketing of the Kenyan tea while conserving the environment.

Mandate

Organize, design and carry out on-station and on-farm tea research in their respective sectors of agricultural research in accordance with current policies and priorities

Identify production, policy, market, processing and utilization constraints the tea sub sector, and plan short and long-term research programs

Identify and disseminate, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, appropriate systems of mechanization and technology, options to improve agricultural production and provide answers to foreseeable problems facing the tea production

Collaborate with the extension and other partner organizations to disseminate research results and technologies

Establish and maintain regular contact with regional and international agricultural research centers to ensure the rapid introduction, evaluation and use of tea improved technology beneficial to the country

Conduct, in association with the secretariat, annual reviews of research results and modify research programs as appropriate.

7Promote demand-driven participatory research, planning and priority setting.

3.0 CHAPTER THREE

3.1 FIELD ATTACHMENT ACTIVITIES

My field attachment duties and responsibilities revolved around Tea Breeding and Genetic improvement department. The Department is charged with effective transfer of approved tea production, processing and marketing technologies to stakeholders for sustainable high production and quality tea while conserving the environment.

Laboratory skills

The lab has equipments to be operated requiring appropriate calibration i.e. Spectrophotometer, oven, centrifuge and freeze.

How to operate various equipments in the lab.

Steps involved in extraction, isolation and quantification of RNA in different tea cultivars.

How to decaffeination of tea leaves based on three parameters such as temperature, water ratio and time. The three parameters are the major determinants of tea quality in term of concentration of caffeine and catechins.

How of preparation of green, black and white tea and how to use the machines and equipments that were used during the process such as; CTC machines, aeration cabinet, miller, withering trough and vacuum dryer.

Steps in extraction and quantification of total polyphenols in different cultivars of tea plant and the reagents used in the entire process.

Field work

Field work included farm visits to access tea production technologies. During farmers training on recommended tea production technologies grouping were performed and demonstrations carried out.

Data collection

Data collection is key in determining the major needs and satisfaction of certain aspect. We were able to collect data from the farm in order to know various aspects in plant growth.

Data entry and analysis

Data collected from the field is entered and cleaned before simple statistical analysis by use of SPSS and excel spreadsheets are done. Most are presented in graphs and charts

Report writing

Reports regarding the project undertaken indicating the procedure used, results obtained the discussion, conclusion and recommendation.

3.2 SKILLS KNOWLEDGE AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Having completed my attachment duration, I have been able to get experience of activities the organisation run. I have been exposed to relevant fields which have enhanced my skills and knowledge. This exercise enabled me put into use the skills and understanding of my course work, among the include;

Computer Skills

Undergoing field attachment at TRI was an opportunity to apply some of the software during data analysis especially socio-economics surveys. The typing speed was also improved with the knowledge of transferring or sharing information using the Foundation internal network system was also gained.

Problem Solving

During the attachment period, some problems would arise which needed solutions. Some of the problems were manageable while some were technical especially those for software application. To solve such problems called for consultation with the supervisors who were willing to offer solutions.

Decision making

While on attachment, some decisions needed to be made at some levels. These decisions included drawing up of visitors programme and deciding on areas to tour and organizing of field/open days for the department. The decision making ability helps boost motivation of the attaché to perform tasks effectively.

Interpersonal Skills

The attachment programme at TRFK helped improve on the ability to interact with others people such as colleagues on attachment, co-workers and other foundation clients. It was fun dealing with these people, especially when they are willing to help and explain on issues.

Teamwork Skill

Most of the tasks assigned during the field attachment period called for team work. Working together with the colleagues helped improve on the skill.

Communication Skill

This is a useful skill when disseminating technologies to tea stakeholders. This then calls for learning the work environment by the attaché and building up the communications skill in order to meet this task. The interaction with different categories of foundation clients helped improve on this skill especially English both oral and written since it was the most used language in the foundation.

3.3 CHALLENGES EXPERIENCED AND THEIR SOLUTIONS

I. Unfavourable weather conditions

The weather in TRI is extremely cold throughout. The situation worsened when it rained. This situation was handled by putting on heavy clothing such as jackets. Also hot tea was provided at 10 O’ clock and half past 3 every day to manage the cold.

II. Transport problem

This was a challenge in that I resided in Kericho town which is 8 Kms away from the station, and sometimes I was left behind by station vehicle. This was solved by use of other means of transport which are readily available such as Motorbikes-unsuitable at a rainy day and taxis even though are costly.

III. Inadequate Office Facilities e.g. computers

This made office work hard and time consuming since typing and printing was allocated little time thus the work load piles in each individual. The Institution is in the process of acquiring new and updated facilities for its workers

How the challenges were solved

With the high technology, online sources and the library were useful means of accessing information.

Stay friendly, be open-minded, drama-free, and easy to work with interns

Those with laptop were encouraged to come with it in order to allow those without to use the institution computers.

Intern students hastened orientation to new attaches.

The institute bus and vans were used for transportation due to large number of attaches.

4.0 CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 Strength

Availability of modern lab equipments to promote research in agriculture

Improve market competitiveness of tea produced by small holder tea growers

The institute employs both skilled and unskilled labour.

The institute is located in a suitable geographical location favouring the growth of tea.

4.1.2 Weakness

The institute is located near Mau forest exposing workers to dangerous wild animals especially elephants.

Lack of clean drinking water exposing workers to water borne diseases.

4.1.3 Opportunities

The management of the institute promotes capacity building offering a great opportunity for internship and attachment students.

The institute provides good working condition i.e. housing to accommodate them together with their families.

The institute has a large track of land to provide field for further research to be carried out.

4.3Threats

Climate change tea may not perform well making it hard for researchers to come up with their findings.

Due to political influence in the institution implementation of new programmes may be difficult.

Introduction of purple tea faces a lot of shortcomings due to dominant types of tea in the market i.e. green and black tea.

5.0 CHAPTER FIVE

5.1 CONCLUSION

My attachment period at Tea Research Institute-Kericho has provided me with the skills and experience by doing practical in parts which were theoretical information. Also the staff cooperation has acquired me in knowledge which has enable me to know more about tea production and their management.

5.2 RECOMMENDATON

The institute should give some allowances to the attaches so as to motivate them during their attachment period.

Improvement of infrastructure should be given priority for quick access to the institute and transportation of equipment.

The institute should in future give enough support to attaches like for subsistence and allowances to sustain them in the attachment period.

The college should have partnership with more institutes or organizations so as to secure places for attachment programs to their students easily.

The institute should develop come upon with programs of disseminating information to farmers in regards to proven technologies on tea farming especially purple tea which has a lot of health benefits.

References

Appendices

Types of Nursery Beds

High Shade Nursery Bed

It is mainly constructed when large annual propagation is anticipated and comprises several beds. Strong poles are used and size depends on plants required. The shade should be 2m above the beds to enable person to walk inside wire netting and vegetative materials are used for shading. Single wire netting is use to allow penetration of light.

Low Shade Nursery Bed

When constructing a low shade nursery locally available material are used e.g., woven bamboo laths. Beds can be of any length up to 30 cm long and run N.S direction. Hoops are placed 1 m interval and sleeves should be 15-30cm away from the walls. Overhead shade should be made to reduce light.

Crushing of tea leaves Watering potted tea plants

Operating a centrifuge

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