• How Rooted Apical Cutting (RAC) Technology is Revolutionizing Potato Farming in Kenya

    Posted on September 30, 2025

    Potato farming plays a critical role in Kenya’s food security and income generation, especially in counties like Nyandarua, Nakuru, and Meru. Yet, for decades, farmers have struggled with access to clean and certified seed, leading to low yields and vulnerability to diseases. A new innovation – Apical Rooted Cutting (RAC) technology – is changing this […]

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  • Viazi Soko – The Digital Platform Empowering Potato Farmers in Kenya

    Posted on September 29, 2025

    Digital agriculture is gaining ground in Kenya, and one of the standout platforms is Viazi Soko, developed by the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK). This innovative system connects potato farmers to certified seed suppliers, reliable buyers, and real-time agronomic advice, helping them overcome challenges of middlemen and poor-quality inputs. What is Viazi Soko? Viazi […]

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  • Smart cold storage Solutions Helping Kenyan Potato Farmers Cut Post-Harvest Losses

    Posted on September 29, 2025

    Potatoes are Kenya’s second most important food crop after maize. However, farmers lose up to 30–40% of their harvest due to poor storage. Smart cold storage solutions are now emerging as a vital technology to cut post-harvest losses, stabilize prices, and improve farmer incomes. Why Cold Storage Matters Potatoes are highly perishable. Without proper storage, […]

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  • Breaking Barriers to Boost Horticulture Trade in COMESA

    Posted on September 29, 2025

    Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) remain one of the biggest obstacles to seamless cross-border trade within the COMESA region. Lengthy border procedures, inconsistent application of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, duplication of certifications, and high compliance costs continue to limit the competitiveness of horticulture producers and exporters. These barriers not only slow down trade but also increase […]

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  • Farmers training in Nandi County Trained on Soil Health, Input Sourcing, and field officers training on Safe Use of Chemicals by AAK grow.

    Posted on September 29, 2025

    In a bid to strengthen agricultural productivity and sustainability, farmers in Nandi County recently benefited from a comprehensive training program focusing on soil health, fertility management, and good agricultural practices (GAPs). The sessions were organized in collaboration with agricultural stakeholders to equip farmers with practical knowledge and skills to improve yields while safeguarding the environment. […]

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  • NPCK signs MoU with FIPS Africa

    Posted on September 29, 2025

    NPCK and Farm Input Promotions Africa (FIPS Africa) have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a long-term partnership aimed at enhancing potato productivity, strengthening the potato value chain, and improving farmer incomes. Through this collaboration, NPCK and FIPS Africa will jointly work to: improve smallholder farmers’ access to quality inputs, training, and […]

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  • Battling Pesticide Resistance in Kenyan Potato Production – The Late Blight Challenge

    Posted on September 29, 2025

    Potatoes are a critical staple and cash crop for many smallholder farmers in Kenya. Yet yields remain far below their potential: while Kenyan potato farms could produce 30–40 tonnes per hectare under ideal conditions, recent figures report average yields of only 8–10 t/ha in many regions. A major culprit is Phytophthora infestans, the pathogen that […]

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  • NPCK Leads the Fight Against Potato Pests: New Varieties Malaika & Glen Launched

    Posted on September 29, 2025

    The National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK), in partnership with leading research institutions, has spearheaded the introduction of two new potato varieties—Malaika and Glen—to help farmers overcome the devastating potato cyst nematode (PCN). PCN is a microscopic worm that attacks potato roots, causing stunted growth and poor harvests. It has been one of the biggest […]

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  • Editorial

    Posted on September 29, 2025

    Welcome to the September 2025 edition of the NPCK Newsletter. This issue comes at a pivotal time for the potato sector in Kenya, where innovation, collaboration, and resilience are shaping the future of farming. From the fight against pesticide resistance in late blight to the introduction of new potato varieties such as Malaika and Glen […]

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  • Potato Planting and Management: A Pathway to Food Security and Farmer Prosperity

    Posted on September 9, 2025

    Potato (Solanum tuberosum L) is among Kenya’s most important food and cash crops. Ranked second only to maize, it plays a vital role in food and nutrition security, poverty reduction, and employment creation. With increasing urbanization, population growth, and shifting consumer preferences toward value-added products like chips and crisps, demand for potatoes continues to rise. […]

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