Naivasha:Kenya is actively seeking investment in the potato sector, focusing on processing, seed production, and commercial farming to reduce dependence on imported potato products and enhance farmers’ incomes. Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe emphasized this initiative while inaugurating the 13th World Potato Congress, attended by 1,000 delegates from 67 countries.
According to Kenya News Agency, the ongoing congress, which concludes this Friday, marks the first time the event is held in Sub-Saharan Africa. It presents an opportunity for Kenya to forge partnerships in research, mechanization, storage, processing, and seed production. Kagwe encouraged delegates to devise practical solutions for improving farm productivity, expanding market access, and increasing returns for potato growers.
Kagwe highlighted import substitution as a major investment opportunity, citing a market supply gap that could be addressed by locally produced potato products. He advocated for stronger connections between farmers, processors, hotels, restaurants, and fast-food businesses to boost local manufacturing, create jobs, and retain more earnings within the country.
The cabinet secretary also invited investors to explore opportunities under the government’s Land Commercialisation Initiative, which leases idle public land to private investors for agricultural production. He stressed that commercial farming, supported by irrigation, modern technology, value addition, and reliable markets, could unlock the potential of underutilized land.
Furthermore, Kenya is developing infrastructure to reduce agriculture’s reliance on rainfall, including plans for 50 mega dams, 200 medium-sized dams, and 1,000 waterpans and reservoirs. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reported a decline in potato production to about 2.2 million tonnes in 2024 from approximately 2.3 million tonnes in 2023, due to unfavorable weather conditions.
To combat these challenges, Kagwe pointed to research by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the International Potato Center to develop a late blight-resistant potato using the popular Shangi variety. The Clone IG-70, a drought- and blight-tolerant variety, is also undergoing final verification.
Other interventions include expanding access to certified seed through KALRO’s Marindas Potato Sub-Centre and promoting Rooted Apical Cuttings technology. The Kenya Sustainable Potato Initiative aims to support 150,000 farmers, improving productivity and climate-smart farming practices.
Kagwe stressed the importance of inspection and certification by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) to protect farmers from uncertified seeds. He also highlighted cold-chain infrastructure development in 12 counties to improve storage and reduce post-harvest losses.
The congress, themed ‘Global Potato Partnership for Enhanced Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Trade’, aims to connect farmers with researchers, seed suppliers, and potential investors. Additional initiatives, including a Farmer Field Day and programs for teenagers and women, aim to promote innovation and leadership in the sector.
Kagwe concluded by urging delegates to focus on solutions tailored to local farming conditions, measuring the meeting’s success by the improvement in farm businesses, market strength, and livelihoods of potato growers.
