As we close the month of June, the momentum across Kenya’s potato sector is unmistakable. From county farms to international forums, the message is clear: the sector is evolving, driven by innovation, digital transformation, and collaborative investments that are unlocking new potential for farmers, youth, cooperatives, and agribusinesses alike.
This edition of our newsletter highlights a defining moment for Kenya’s potato value chain, the visit by AGRA President, Dr. Alice Ruhweza, to Nyandarua County. Her field engagements reaffirmed AGRA’s confidence in the Kenya Sustainable Potato Initiative (KSPI), a flagship investment in climate-smart agriculture, structured marketing, and seed system transformation. Her presence not only symbolized global attention on our local efforts, but also emphasized the importance of place-based investments that deliver measurable impact to farmers.
Complementing this was the energy and knowledge shared at the Village-Based Advisors (VBA) training in Meru County, where 59 VBAs were equipped to become change agents within their communities. These grassroots champions are critical to scaling good agricultural practices, facilitating access to certified seed, and enhancing market readiness.
In the same breath, we sound the alarm on the ongoing threat of late blight, which has devastated fields across key growing regions. The detailed feature on early management of blight reminds us that timely action is not optional, it’s essential. It is also a clarion call to strengthen farmer training and disease surveillance to safeguard national food security.
We also delve into the economic promise of certified seed and value addition in potato production. Articles on seed certification, GAPs, and potato processing show that with the right inputs, skills, and market systems, farmers can significantly raise their productivity and income. Viazi Kings’ presence at the International Potato Day celebrations in Nakuru demonstrates how the private sector is stepping up to drive market linkages and aggregation models that benefit even the smallest producers.
Meanwhile, the Viazi Soko platform continues to reimagine digital agriculture, offering farmers a one-stop shop for seed access, input ordering, information sharing, and produce marketing. As more stakeholders adopt the platform, we see a growing ecosystem that is not just digitizing agriculture, but democratizing it.
Regionally, the CEHA workshop in Nairobi brought together thought leaders and policymakers to address non-tariff barriers and harmonize trade standards for horticulture and staples. This work is vital if we are to realize a truly integrated agricultural market across COMESA and EAC countries. As highlighted in the workshop’s action matrix, unlocking cross-border trade starts with dismantling structural bottlenecks that limit farmer and agribusiness growth.
Lastly, we proudly celebrate the youth innovators making waves in agribusiness. Sincy Research’s recognition at both the Youth in Potato Challenge and Agritec Africa 2025 demonstrates the brilliance and resilience of young minds committed to reshaping the potato industry through research, technology, and inclusive business models.
As you read through these stories of impact, urgency, innovation, and collaboration, we encourage all sector players, public, private, and development partners, to stay the course. Let us continue to co-create a resilient, market-driven, and inclusive potato economy that not only feeds the nation but also uplifts the millions who depend on this vital crop for their livelihoods.
