In line with NPCK’s vision to modernize Kenya’s potato value chain, the IT department has taken a significant step by developing a robust farmer registration system. This digital innovation is enabling real-time data collection and monitoring at the grassroots level.

The system is designed for use by NPCK’s Field Officers and Village-Based Advisors (VBAs), who serve as the link between NPCK and the farming community. With an intuitive interface, VBAs can register farmers directly in the field, capturing comprehensive and essential data such as the farmer’s full name, contact number, county, sub-county, ward, crops grown, animals reared, land size, gender, and age. As of April 2025, the system had registered over 13,943 farmers across counties including Laikipia, Meru, Nandi, and Nyandarua, supported by 46 VBAs.

The dashboard allows real-time analytics, displaying farmer distribution per county and growth trends in monthly registrations. This visibility not only enhances transparency but also helps in planning interventions more effectively. For example, county-specific data can inform targeted training, improved seed distribution, and more efficient resource allocation.

The digitization of this process marks a shift from manual data collection to a smarter, more efficient model that supports evidence-based decision-making. By building a centralized database of verified farmer profiles, NPCK is laying the groundwork for inclusive access to extension services, contract farming opportunities, and input subsidy programs.

As Kenya moves toward smart agriculture, the adoption of such technological tools will be instrumental in building resilience and sustainability in the agricultural sector. The farmer registration system is just one of many tech-driven initiatives being championed by NPCK to support smallholder farmers and enhance the overall competitiveness of the potato value chain.

Dashboard showing farmer registration statistics by county and monthly growth as of April 2025.