This July marks a significant turning point for Kenya’s potato sector and its global positioning as we edge closer to hosting the 13th World Potato Congress (WPC 2026). We were honored to welcome Dr. Peter VanderZaag, President of the World Potato Congress, who visited Kenya to officially launch the logistics and planning for this historic event. His presence and confidence in Kenya’s preparedness reaffirm our nation’s capacity to convene over 1,000 delegates from more than 60 countries, making WPC 2026 a landmark Congress — the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Beyond WPC 2026 preparations, this edition of the newsletter highlights NPCK’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen Kenya’s potato industry. From the Village-Based Advisors (VBA) model, which is revolutionizing farmer extension and market access, to the push for digital agriculture and smartphone adoption, NPCK continues to empower farmers with cutting-edge tools and knowledge. Our spotlight on the Meru County Potato Strategy reflects efforts to harmonize county and national policies for greater sectoral impact, while features on disease management, new resilient potato varieties, and pesticide resistance control emphasize the critical role of innovation and sustainability in safeguarding productivity.

As we celebrate the potato’s power — from its unmatched yields to its role in food security and income generation — we are reminded that resilience, collaboration, and technology will define the future of farming. WPC 2026 is not just an event; it is a movement for transformation in Kenya’s potato sector and beyond.

We invite all stakeholders, partners, and potato enthusiasts to join us on this exciting journey as we build towards October 2026 with renewed commitment and a shared vision of excellence.