By Levin Kiprop
Kenya joined the rest of the world in marking International Potato Day with celebrations held in Molo, Nakuru County under the theme “Shaping History, Feeding the Future.” The event highlighted the historical journey of the potato, its growing importance in Kenya’s agricultural landscape, and the critical need for innovation to unlock its full potential.
International Potato Day is observed globally to celebrate the importance of the potato and raise awareness about its role in food security, economic development, and sustainable agriculture. In Kenya, the potato was first introduced in 1890 and became a key cash crop by the 1940s.
Speaking at the event, National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK) Chief Executive Officer Wachira Kaguongo emphasized the crop’s economic significance and the steps being taken to elevate its status nationally and internationally.
“In 2010, stakeholders established the council to push for the prominence of the potato in national planning, budgeting, and policy,” said Kaguongo. “At the time, potato was contributing nearly KSh 50 billion compared to maize’s KSh 120 billion—despite maize receiving far more support.”
He highlighted several challenges facing the potato sector, including outdated farming methods, low uptake of improved seed varieties, and limited access to technology. He warned against the common practice of seed recycling among farmers, saying it spreads diseases and reduces yield.
“When farmers reuse small, diseased tubers as seed, they’re unknowingly selecting weak genetics and spreading pests across their farms,” Kaguongo explained.
Potato is now recognized as Kenya’s second most important cash crop after maize, employing millions and serving as an alternative staple food. The government has included potato in key development frameworks, including the national food strategic reserve and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Kaguongo also spoke about the Kenya Potato Sustainable Initiative, a flagship program designed to reduce post-harvest losses and explore alternative uses and storage solutions.
“Many farmers harvest at the same time, leading to surplus and waste. Through this initiative, we’re working on supportive policies and quality standards that will help us tap into international markets,” he said. “We’re already eyeing export opportunities in Arab countries.”
He acknowledged that one barrier to export is the absence of standardized practices. The council is working to develop and enforce industry standards that meet global requirements.
Efforts are also underway to help farmers access financing and capital through collaborations with banks and government agencies. In addition, the council is focused on ensuring small-scale farmers are included at the heart of all initiatives.
A key innovation discussed is the development of disease-resistant potato varieties and a positive seed selection technique. This method allows farmers to grow quality seed on their own for up to three seasons without buying new certified seed each time—helping reduce costs and increase yields.
“Our aim is not to rely on international seed companies. We want to nurture local firms and empower farmers to become investors in their own right,” Kaguongo said.
He also emphasized the council’s commitment to youth empowerment, noting that a special Youth Day was held on May 29 ahead of the global commemoration on May 30 to showcase opportunities for young people in the potato value chain.
Kenya currently ranks 33rd globally in potato production, with China, India, and Russia leading the charts. Within Africa, Kenya ranks fifth, underscoring its significant but still untapped potential.
As the country celebrates the contribution of this humble but powerful crop, stakeholders are hopeful that renewed focus and investment in the potato sector will help transform Kenya’s food systems and rural economy for generations to come.
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