NPCK successfully hosted a two-day celebration to mark the International Day of Potato (IDP), drawing together more than 3,000 participants from across the potato value chain. The events highlighted youth innovation, policy commitment, stakeholder collaboration, and sector-wide transformation in Kenya’s potato industry.
A section of participants during the International day of potato 2025
The celebrations kicked off on 29th May with the Youth in Potato Challenge, held under the theme “Empowering Generations: Youth Innovations, Sustainability in Potato Farming.” The event provided a vibrant platform for young people to showcase their creativity, exchange ideas, and gain inspiration from successful agripreneurs. A key highlight was the pitching of eight youth-led innovative ideas spanning seed potato solutions, digital technologies, market linkages, and value addition. Out of these, three outstanding innovations stood out: G9 Exterminator, Mizizi Lishe, and Beacon Potato earning trophies, gift packages, and a unique opportunity to pitch their solutions on the World Potato Congress 2026 in Kenya. The event also featured exciting showcases by the 4K Club, who presented activities that engage primary and secondary school learners in agriculture, demonstrating the importance of nurturing agri-entrepreneurship from a young age.
One of the youth Farmers receiving their reward during the Youth in Potato Challenge
The main International Day of Potato commemoration followed on 30th May where key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, research institutions, farmer organizations, and development partners convened. The day was marked by the official relaunch of the Irish Potato Regulations 2019, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in collaboration with the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), NPCK, and Solidaridad. The relaunch represents a renewed commitment to enhancing awareness, promoting adoption, and strengthening enforcement of the regulations, all aimed at creating a structured, sustainable, and resilient potato industry in Kenya. Participants also engaged in an enlightening panel discussion on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), access to quality inputs, and financing options, with rich insights shared on how to unlock productivity and economic value for smallholder farmers. Remarks from AGRA underscored the progress of the Kenya Sustainable Potato Initiative (KSPI) and its alignment with broader National goals to scale up innovation, inclusivity, and impact within the potato sector. As declared by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Day of the Potato is celebrated globally each year on May 30.
The Re-Launch of the Crops Irish Potato Regulation 2019 by the PS Dr. Paul Kiprono Ronoh, State department of Agriculture
The 2025 theme, “Shaping History, Feeding the Future,” reflects the vital role of potatoes in global food security, nutrition, and economic development. NPCK celebrates this milestone and invites all stakeholders to continue collaborating in shaping a future where potatoes power prosperity, innovation, and resilience in Kenya and beyond.
Participants gathering practical insights on the IDP demonstrations in established
