Insect Resistant Maize for Africa (IRMA) aims to develop conventional and biotechnology derived stem borer–resistant maize varieties and deploy them to resource-poor farmers in Kenya and other interested countries in Africa. The IRMA project adopted several key aspects to ensure success including 1) involvement of farmers, 2) study of the Kenyan maize sector, 3) a two-pronged approach using conventional and genetic engineering tools, and 4) development of publicly derived Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) maize events without selectable marker genes. Others are 1) collection of baseline data on target and non-target insect species of Bt toxins, 2) development of plausible insect-resistance management strategies, 3) regular stakeholder meetings, and 4) development of infrastructure and human capacity. To ensure development and deployment of Bt maize in Kenya in the public–private partnership, it was important to address technical, regulatory, proprietary and stewardship issues. Conventional insect-resistant maize germplasm with leaf toughness as the main mechanism has been developed and is currently being tested in the Kenya maize national performance trials that started in February 2004. This germplasm combines the best in insect resistance from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and the adapted maize in Kenya. Conventional resistance faces challenges from its genetics and implementation. It was meant to offer farmers an option as they await the more effective and durable resistance based on Bt genes. Transgenic (Bt) maize plants with clean events have been developed with the final product carrying only the gene of interest, without the selectable marker gene. Transgenic (Bt) maize leaf tissue and seed have been introduced in Kenya and evaluated against Kenyan stem borers in a biosafety laboratory and in a biosafety greenhouse. Confined field evaluations are planned, while a backcrossing program into adapted Kenya germplasm has been initiated. In consideration of the regulatory requirements, environmental considerations including studies on effects of non-target organisms, development of feasible insect resistance management and gene-flow studies have been carried out. Socio-economic studies have been carried out to establish the potential demand for Bt maize in various farming communities in Kenya. Participatory rural appraisals, baseline studies, impact assessment studies as well as consumer attitudes have been studied. The capacity of Kenyans to research on genetic engineering has been built through extensive training of staff from the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) and other government of Kenyan agencies, including training on regulatory issues, and through the development of infrastructure including a biosafety lab, biosafety greenhouses, and open-quarantine sites. In conclusion, the IRMA project’s plan to develop conventional and Bt-based insect-resistant maize for Kenya and other willing African countries is on course.