In a historic moment for African agriculture, Kenya is making global headlines by hosting the 13th World Potato Congress (WPC). Marking the very first time this prestigious international gathering is taking place in Sub-Saharan Africa, the event, running from October 26 to 30, 2026, has positioned the nation as a premier investment hub for potato production, processing, and value addition. Drawing a staggering 1,000 delegates from 67 countries, the congress blew past its initial target of 600 attendees, underscoring intense global interest in the continent’s untapped agricultural potential.
Opening the congress, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe issued an urgent, inspiring call to action. Addressing international financiers, local agro-processors, and innovators, Kagwe challenged partners to aid Kenya in overhauling its domestic supply chains, replacing heavy import reliance, and turning underutilized public land into thriving commercial farming operations.
“A food secure, healthier, prosperous farmer is also, in my considered view, a prerequisite for a safer, stable and productive society.”Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary
Closing the 60 Percent Import Gap
Despite the humble potato being a staple on millions of Kenyan tables, domestic production currently satisfies only about 40 percent of local market demand, leaving an astounding 60 percent to be met by costly imports. Kagwe highlighted this stark divide as a golden opportunity for bold commercial ventures linking local farmers directly with processors, hotel chains, and fast-food enterprises.
“This is an opportunity to substitute imports.”Sen. Mutahi Kagwe
To accelerate this transformation, the government is leaning heavily into its ambitious Land Commercialization Initiative, which leases idle public acreage to private entities on a long-term basis. Coupled with infrastructure goals,including plans for 50 mega-dams, 200 medium-sized dams, and 1,000 water reservoirs to break reliance on erratic rainfall,Kenya is laying down the groundwork for modern, climate-resilient commercial farming.
Innovating Against Climate and Disease
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics’ National Agriculture Production Report 2025, Kenya produced roughly 2.2 million tonnes of potatoes in 2024, valued at KSh72.5 billion. However, this represented a decline from 2.3 million tonnes in 2023,a drop largely fueled by failed short rains and excessive long rains that triggered devastating outbreaks of fungal potato blight.
To build long-term resistance, Kenyan research institutions are stepping up with cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs:
- Biotech Shangi Variety: Developed jointly by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the International Potato Center, this biotech adaptation introduces three resistance genes to the popular Shangi potato, demonstrating total immunity to late blight in field trials.
- Clone IG-70: Advanced at KALRO’s Tigoni Potato Research Centre, this promising variety offers dual tolerance against both severe drought conditions and late blight.
- KALRO Marindas Sub-Centre: Commissioned in Kuresoi North, Nakuru County, this facility focuses on expanding access to certified high-yield seed and modern technological training.
By leveraging the global partnerships forged at the World Potato Congress, Kenya aims to convert high-level discussions into ground-level impact,ensuring higher yields, stronger incomes for smallholder farmers, and a self-reliant agricultural future.
