Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has invited investors to unlock idle public land for commercial agriculture and help Kenya replace imported potato products and expand local processing as the country hosts the 13th World Potato Congress.
The congress, running from October 26 to 30, 2026, has attracted 1,000 delegates from 67 countries, surpassing the initial target of 600 delegates from 60 countries.
It is the first edition to be held in Sub-Saharan Africa, positioning Kenya to pursue partnerships in research, seed production, mechanisation, storage and processing.
“A food-secure, healthier, prosperous farmer is also, in my considered view, a prerequisite for a safer, stable and productive society,” Kagwe said at the opening.
The investment appeal builds on discussions held last week, when Kagwe said local supply meets only 40 per cent of the potato products demand compared to 60 per cent imports.
“This is an opportunity to substitute imports,” he said, urging investors to connect farmers with processors, hotels, restaurants and fast-food businesses to create jobs, retain more earnings locally and develop export capacity.
Kagwe also promoted the government's Land Commercialisation Initiative, which leases idle public land to private investors on a long-term basis for agricultural production.
He linked the initiative to irrigation, technology, value addition and reliable markets, alongside plans to develop 50 mega dams, 200 medium-sized dams and 1,000 water pans and reservoirs to reduce dependence on unpredictable rainfall.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics' National Agriculture Production Report 2025, Kenya produced approximately 2.2 million tonnes of potatoes worth Sh72.5 billion in 2024.
Output declined from approximately 2.3 million tonnes in 2023, partly because failed short rains and excessive long rains contributed to fungal diseases, including potato blight.
To address production challenges, Kagwe highlighted research by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) and the International Potato Center on a late blight-resistant biotech potato based on the popular Shangi variety.
Developed by introducing three resistance genes into Shangi, the potato demonstrated complete resistance to late blight in field trials, potentially reducing fungicide use.
He also cited Clone IG-70, a drought- and blight-tolerant variety developed through KALRO's Potato Research Centre in Tigoni, which is progressing towards final verification.
Other interventions include the KALRO Marindas Potato Sub-Centre in Kuresoi North, Nakuru County, commissioned three months ago to improve access to certified seed and training in modern farming technologies.
The ministry is also expanding Rooted Apical Cuttings technology through partnerships involving ASARECA, FIPs-Africa, Egerton University and the National Potato Council to multiply planting material for varieties including Shangi, Unica and Wanjiku.
Through the Kenya Sustainable Potato Initiative, partnerships with Egerton University and the National Potato Council of Kenya are targeting 150,000 farmers with support to improve productivity, quality and climate-smart farming.
Kagwe stressed the need for rigorous inspection and certification to protect farmers against uncertified and counterfeit seed, highlighting the role of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) in testing and releasing varieties and monitoring pests and diseases.
He also pointed to cold-chain infrastructure developed in 12 counties over the past four years to improve storage, reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen market access.
Diversifying varieties could help farmers meet the specific requirements of chips and crisps processors, supporting local manufacturing.
During last week's preparatory meeting, Kagwe said he was ready to engage the National Treasury on proposals to zero-rate potato-processing machinery.
He asked industry players to submit specific requests identifying equipment and interventions needed to unlock investment, while encouraging farmers to form cooperatives to access machinery and shared facilities.
Held under the theme “Global Potato Partnership for Enhanced Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Trade", the congress will also feature a Farmer Field Day showcasing varieties, farming methods and processing opportunities.
A Teens Programme under the 4K Club will introduce young people to agricultural science, technology and enterprise, while a Women in Potato initiative will promote women's participation and leadership.
Kagwe urged delegates to develop solutions suited to local farming conditions, saying the gathering should translate into stronger farm businesses, better market access and improved livelihoods.
