The potato value chain in Kenya plays a central role in food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. However, inconsistencies in production, handling, and marketing standards have often limited the sector’s potential. Harmonizing these standards into a Code of Practice (CoP) is therefore a crucial step toward ensuring food safety, expanding market opportunities, and promoting fair trade for all actors across the value chain.

A unified CoP will provide clear guidelines on quality, handling, and traceability of potatoes, reducing post-harvest losses while boosting consumer confidence in both local and international markets. By aligning practices with global benchmarks, farmers and processors will gain access to expanded markets, while traders and buyers will benefit from reliable and consistent supply. At the same time, fair trade will be promoted as all players operate under transparent and agreed standards. Most importantly, consumers are assured of safe, high-quality products.

To advance this agenda, NPCK under the Kenya Sustainable Potato Initiative (KSPI) project supported by AGRA, in partnership with KEBS, AFA, and Solidaridad, convened a Technical Committee workshop in Nakuru from 11th to 13th August 2025. The workshop reviewed the first draft of the Potato Code of Practice, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward standardization.

The CoP is expected to be a transformative tool that strengthens the competitiveness of Kenya’s potato sector while safeguarding both farmer and consumer interests.

Technical Committee members for the standards harmonization posing for a group photo.