New arrowroot variety gives Kenya Prisons top innovation prize at Nairobi ASK show

For years, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) had dominated the category, showcasing precision, discipline and innovation in agricultural production. But in recent years, the tide has shifted. Kenya Prisons has quietly been rewriting the narrative.

This year, the star attraction was not a high-tech greenhouse, a flashy irrigation system or a cutting-edge mechanised tool. It was a humble tuber: a new arrowroot variety known as Maranta.

After rigorous vetting by independent judges, the variety topped the root tuber-based crops category. It also won the award for the best stand display.

This variety is cultivated at Lang’ata Women’s Prison, which operates under the State Department of Correctional Services in the Ministry of Interior and Coordination.

Arrowroot, commonly known as nduma in Kenya, is a beloved delicacy, especially enjoyed for breakfast with a steaming cup of tea. Traditionally grown in wetlands and swampy areas, nduma is now cultivated in the Central region (Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Embu, and Meru), as well as in the Nyanza and Western regions (Kisumu, Kakamega, and Vihiga).

However, it has long been considered a limited crop, confined to wet areas and producing moderate yields.

That was before Maranta came along. “The new arrowroot variety thrives in areas with minimal rainfall, including the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) regions,” Sergeant Cosmas Ayako, the Lang’ata Women’s Prisons farm manager, told Seeds of Gold at the Nairobi ASK 2025.

The facility began growing the Maranta variety in 2024 after the country’s agricultural research agencies conducted thorough tests, research and trials.

In an exclusive interview, Mr Ayako revealed that the prize-winning Maranta nduma tuber can weigh up to 30 kilogrammes.

The main tuber has several smaller tubers attached to it. “We have been growing traditional arrowroots for years, with an average tuber weighing about 15 kilos. This new variety is a high yielder. If adopted by farmers, it could transform the way we address food security challenges,” he explained.

The seeds of the new variety were sourced from South Africa, and Lang’ata Women’s Prison was selected as the official reproduction site.

According to Ayako, a single tuber seed can produce up to 20 more tubers, which continue to reproduce even after some are harvested.

“It is like a hen which does not stop laying eggs. After harvesting some tubers, the plant continues to reproduce.”

Based on his experience, Ayako believes that Maranta is versatile enough to be cultivated throughout the country, including in dry areas.

“Unlike the conventional variety, which takes over six months to regenerate after harvesting, the new Maranta variety rejuvenates in just three months and is ready for harvesting again,” he explained while demonstrating the planting technique.

Lang’ata Women’s Prison has already begun distributing seed tubers to different parts of the country.

Mr Ayako encouraged farmers to visit the Nairobi-based correctional facility to obtain the seeds.

This new variety of arrowroot is hailed as a form of climate-smart agricultural technology that could help farmers adapt to the effects of climate change while alleviating food insecurity and hunger.

According to Mr Ayako, Lang’ata Women’s Prison started with just five seed tubers, but has now expanded cultivation to cover a quarter of an acre.

At the 2025 Nairobi ASK, which took place from September 29 to October 5 under the theme, ‘Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth’, the facility was awarded a trophy and certificate.

The Maranta nduma proved to be a star attraction, drawing huge interest from visitors, especially farmers.

Margaret Karanja, an nduma farmer from Lower Kabete in Kiambu County, expressed optimism about the new variety. “The main problem with growing arrowroot is the lack of water. I am glad to hear this new variety can also thrive in dry areas,” she said.

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