This May, Kenya’s potato sector stood at a defining moment of progress, promise, and purpose. From energizing field-level engagement in Nandi County to celebrating global milestones through the International Day of the Potato (IDP), the month brought together farmers, policymakers, youth, researchers, and development partners under a united vision: a resilient, inclusive, and thriving potato industry.
The IDP celebrations, which drew over 3,000 stakeholders, showcased the vital role of youth and innovation through the Youth in Potato Challenge, emphasizing that the future of agriculture lies in bold ideas, digital transformation, and sustainability. The event was also marked by an inspiring display of farm mechanisation technologies, including solar-powered irrigation systems, tractors, and agri-logistics solutions, underscoring how modern tools can boost productivity, reduce costs, and create agribusiness opportunities for youth and smallholders alike.
Equally significant was the relaunch of the Crops (Irish Potato) Regulations 2019, a critical policy step driven by the Ministry of Agriculture and AFA. The renewed focus on structured marketing, traceability, and farmer protection is essential for building a more profitable and regulated sector. Enforcing these regulations with consistency and stakeholder buy-in will be a game-changer for the industry.
At the grassroots, the Kenya Sustainable Potato Initiative (KSPI), supported by AGRA, continues to catalyze transformation. Field visits and farmer training in Nandi County revealed the growing impact of certified seed use, apical cutting technology, and youth empowerment. Success stories like Nelson Korir and the Leleng’chek Cooperative show the value of linking innovation to action through local institutions.
Another milestone this month was the strengthening of regional collaboration through the signing of an MoU between NPCK and ASARECA. Anchored on digital platforms like Viazi Soko and joint research and training efforts, this partnership opens new pathways for scaling climate-smart technologies, improving input and market access, and strengthening institutional capacity across the potato value chain in Eastern and Central Africa.
Of course, progress must be tempered with vigilance. The herbicide drift incident in Molo is a stark reminder that intensification must go hand in hand with responsibility. Safe agricultural practices, shared accountability, and environmental stewardship must remain central to our development agenda. As we close this issue, we celebrate the seeds of progress planted this May from demo plots and policy forums to mechanization expos and regional partnerships. Let us continue to water them with collaboration, innovation, and bold action. Together, we can truly shape history and feed the future.
Editorial Team, NPCK Newsletter
