TENP, KALRO Team Up to Turn North Rift Into Potato Seed Production Powerhouse

The Eldoret National Polytechnic (TENP) is positioning itself at the centre of a new agricultural drive that could transform potato farming in the North Rift through a proposed partnership with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).

The institution hosted KALRO research scientists on Thursday, August 6, 2026, for high-level discussions on establishing a collaboration framework focused on agricultural research, technology transfer and skills development.

At the heart of the proposed partnership is an ambitious plan to establish a Potato Seed Production Centre at TENP, potentially making the institution a key source of clean, quality and certified potato seed for farmers across the North Rift.

Tackling a major challenge for farmers

Access to quality planting material remains a critical factor in potato production. The proposed centre is expected to strengthen local seed systems by bringing together research, training and practical agricultural production.

If the partnership is finalized, farmers could benefit from improved access to quality seed, while trainees at TENP would gain hands-on experience in modern agricultural technologies and seed production.

The initiative could also create opportunities for agri-enterprise and skills development, linking technical training directly to the needs of farmers and the wider agricultural economy.

TENP and KALRO seek practical solutions

Discussions between the two institutions focused on technical collaboration, agricultural research, capacity building and practical approaches to increasing the availability of quality potato seed in the region.

The KALRO delegation comprised research scientists Dr. Judith Oyoo Ilukol and Patrick Pwaipwai.

TENP's delegation was led by Penninah Ogutu, Deputy Principal in charge of Academics, who represented the institution in discussions on how research, training and agricultural production could be integrated to address emerging regional needs.

Also present were the Head of the Department of Agriculture, Environment Officer, Research Coordinator and Deputy Farm Manager Walter Kiptoo, among other members of staff.

From classroom to farm

The proposed potato seed centre could give TENP a larger role in agricultural transformation by creating a practical environment where students, farmers, researchers and agricultural stakeholders can interact.

For students, the facility would provide an opportunity to move beyond classroom theory and acquire practical skills in agricultural production and technology.

For farmers, it could provide access to knowledge and improved technologies aimed at boosting productivity.

Potential boost for North Rift farmers

The North Rift has significant potential for potato production, and improved access to quality seed could have a ripple effect across the agricultural value chain.

Better seed could contribute to improved farm productivity, increased incomes and expanded opportunities in potato-related agribusiness.

The initiative could also support wider food and nutrition security efforts by strengthening the region's capacity to produce potatoes more efficiently.

A new chapter for TENP

For TENP, the proposed partnership represents more than an institutional collaboration.

It signals an effort to position technical and vocational education as a practical driver of economic transformation by connecting skills, research, innovation and production.

As discussions continue towards formalizing the partnership, the proposed Potato Seed Production Centre could become an important pillar in the region's agricultural ecosystem.

If realized, the project would give TENP an opportunity to demonstrate how technical training institutions can help solve real challenges facing communities while creating new pathways for employment, enterprise and innovation.

From training students to producing solutions, TENP is positioning itself to put knowledge into production — and turn North Rift's potato potential into a new agricultural opportunity.