Innovation, improvements and impact for the growth of Kenyan potato sector

Earlier this year Kenya joined the global community in marking the International Day of Potato (IDP). The event was a statement of progress, innovation and commitment to unlocking the potential of the potato value chain.

The event was organized by the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK) with support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) and the Embassy of The Netherlands, according to this article of the LVVN Ministry. It was held at Kalro, Marindas in Molo, a region synonymous which is known for potato farming. 

Contribution of potato in food and nutrition security 
The International Day of Potato is celebrated in recognition of the contribution of potato in food and nutrition security, economic growth, environmental sustainability and cultural practices globally, Kipronoh Ronoh, Principal Secretary at the State Department for Agriculture explained. 

The potatosector has had a positive growth trend over the years. But in 2024 the national production declined. The sector still has to deal with challenges of low productivity, pests and diseases, effects of climate change and non-adherence to regulations especially on packaging. 

But, Ronoh added, the government shows her commitment in the sector, through interventions towards increasing productivity of potato under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) and increasing access to certified high yielding seed varieties.

Milestones
One of the major milestones in this year’s event was the re-launch of the Irish Potato Regulations 2019,  that seeks to standardize packaging of ware potatoes. During the two-day event it was also officially announced that Kenya will be hosting the World Potato Congress in 2026.

“These two milestones will bring significant opportunities for Kenya to position itself as a global player in potato production“, Wachira Kaguongo, CEO of the National Potato Council of Kenya said. “The congress is seen as a strategic moment to showcase Kenya’s unique innovations, entrepreneurial farmers, and forward-thinking policies to the world. It’s a chance to attract investors, researchers, and technology partners who can help take the sector to new heights.”

The International Day of Potato also served as a platform to showcase technological advancements, especially the contribution of Dutch companies to Kenya’s potato landscape. The Embassy of the Netherlands also sponsored some of the Dutch companies active in the Kenyan potato sector. Agrico PSA is one of those companies. The variety Napoleon is already approved by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), and will be commercially available by the end of 2025.

Agrico PSA
Agrico PSA is producer of certified seeds potatoes for all over Eastern-Africa. At the farm in Nakuru, each year they transform 400 tonnes of imported basic seed into 6,300 tonnes of Kenyan certified seed potatoes resulting in over 90,000 tonnes of Kenyan ware potatoes in its first season.