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Kenya set to host World Potato Congress
A farm worker sprays a potato farm with pesticides and herbicides in Elburgon, Nakuru County on November 17, 2022.
What you need to know:
- The event will provide Kenyan farmers and the entire players in the value chain to showcase their abilities and success stories, through deliberately tailored exchange programmes, and field visits, and will also serve as a skills and knowledge sharing forum on best farming practices, usage of inputs, agricultural mechanisation and adaptation to climate-smart farming practices.
- “We expect a lot of visitors from across the world, the congress will therefore be a critical event, boosting the local agri-tourism industry. This is in addition to securing unique networking opportunities and collaborations for the betterment of the industry,” says Mr Kaguongo.
Kenya will finally host the 13th World Potato Congress, a big win for the country after the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK) successfully lobbied for Nairobi to host the event.
Scheduled for October, next year, the global event, attracting more than 1,000 players in the potato industry, was to be held in June, next year, in Gdansk, Poland.
The World Potato Congress Inc. says the board moved the “Old Plans Made New” themed event to Kenya after reviewing a formal request from potato industry players in Kenya, led by the NPCK.
“The WPC Board of Directors has reviewed the formal request led by the National Potato Council (NPCK) of Kenya to have their initial bid reconsidered for a future Congress. The WPC had initially awarded the 2026 Congress to Kenya.
And it had been with great regret to announce in May 2024, that the WPC would need to step away to allow for Kenya to further develop contractual relationships in the country”, says President Peter VanderZaag.
The WPC President says Kenya won the honour after the country’s host committee was immediate and proactive in addressing key areas to ensure a global success story in the country.
“Hosting a World Potato Congress comes with many important factors to be considered. The World Potato Congress aims to contribute to ending extreme poverty and improving food security around the globe.
By hosting this event in Kenya, we will spotlight the importance of potatoes as a vital food crop and their potential to drive inclusive economic growth, particularly for youth and women in the sector,” says the WPC President.
This location change comes following an agreement reached between the Polish Potato Federation (PPF) and WPC to cancel the event scheduled for Gdansk, Poland, in June 2026.
NPCK Chief Executive Officer Mr Wachira Kaguongo says Kenya is ready for the event, and they are using a multisectoral approach to ensure the event’s success.
“We are excited and appreciate the WPC’s consideration of our request. Kenyan stakeholders are ready for the event. This event will enable Kenya to forge global potato partnerships, benefiting our farmers.
The NPCK is working with other players in organising the global event, among them the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), representing the government, Fresh Crop Limited, representing the private sector, with technical and organizational support from the International Potato Center (CIP),” says Mr Kaguongo.
Mr Kaguongo, who is also the WPC International Advisor, says that through the engagement of the global potato industry, local potato organisations, and corporate sponsors, NPCK is mobilizing the logistical resources needed for a successful global event.
He says the event is a boost to local potato value chain players from the farms, market, transport, processors, and consumers.
“The global event will help us organize and coordinate all stakeholders’ activities along the potato value chain to transform the subsector into a robust, competitive, and self-regulated industry,” says Mr Kaguongo.
Mr Bruno Linyiru, AFA Director General, agrees, calling the event a significant achievement reflecting years of dedicated progress since the launch of the National Potato Policy (2019), Crops (Irish Potato) Regulations, 2019, and National Potato Strategy (2021–2025). The policies address improved seed systems, farmer empowerment, and value addition.
“Through the event, Kenya will be positioning itself as a global leader in potato production and food security. Potato is a second staple crop in Kenya, a pillar of resilience, and a symbol of innovation and global connection. As the world turns its eyes to Kenya in 2026, the Congress promises to be a celebration of progress, a hub of partnerships, and a catalyst for innovation in sustainable agriculture,” says AFA Director General.
The event will provide Kenyan farmers and the entire players in the value chain to showcase their abilities and success stories, through deliberately tailored exchange programmes, and field visits, and will also serve as a skills and knowledge sharing forum on best farming practices, usage of inputs, agricultural mechanisation and adaptation to climate-smart farming practices.
“We expect a lot of visitors from across the world, the congress will therefore be a critical event, boosting the local agri-tourism industry. This is in addition to securing unique networking opportunities and collaborations for the betterment of the industry,” says Mr Kaguongo.
