The International Day of Potato (IDP) 2025 was marked with great enthusiasm in Nakuru County, Kenya’s leading potato-producing region. Known for cultivating over 15 potato varieties, the county is home to several potato-growing and certified seed-producing companies, including FreshCrop, Agrico, ADC Molo, Starlight, Egerton University and vibrant, rapidly growing youth-led enterprises like Nakuru Tubers. These institutions are instrumental in ensuring the availability of high-quality, certified seed potatoes across the country.
Held at KALRO Marindas in Molo, this year’s celebration embraced the global theme “Shaping History, Feeding the Future,” echoing the FAO’s subtheme “Harvesting Diversity, Feeding Hope.” These messages reflect the potato’s journey from its ancient roots in the Andes to its current status as a pillar of modern agri-food systems and sustainable development.
A Vibrant turnout and dynamic exhibitions
With a robust attendance of over 3,000 participants across two days approximately 1,100 registered at the NPCK desk on Day One and around 2,140 farmers on day two the event successfully brought together public and private sector players, development partners, researchers, youth and smallholder farmers. Exhibitions showcased innovations in:
- Machinery and mechanization
- Seed and seedling multiplication technologies
- Agrochemicals and biochemicals
- Climate-smart agriculture solutions
- Policy platforms and farmer support systems
Relaunching regulations and renewing commitment
A key highlight was the relaunch of the 2019 Irish Potato Regulations, aiming to strengthen the legal framework for the sector. Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, emphasized the enforcement of 50kg standard packaging regulations, underscoring its potential to protect farmers, ensure fairness in pricing and formalize trade.
He also stressed the importance of empowering youth and women through innovation and market access, pledging to spearhead supportive policies at the national level.
Youth and climate-smart potato farming: Driving the future
Youth empowerment took center stage with a strong call to action for young people to take the lead whether in the lab, the field, marketing, or value addition and drive the future of potato agribusiness. From sweet to Irish potatoes, youth were encouraged to engage across every link of the value chain, including:
- Tissue culture and apical cuttings
- Climate-resilient seed production
- Processing crisps, chips and flour
- Digital marketing and agri-tech platforms
The message was clear: “Agriculture is not just about food; it’s about power, purpose and prosperity,” stated Mr. Leonard Bor, Nakuru County’s CEC for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives. He highlighted the critical role of innovation, youth involvement and collaborative efforts among government, academia and the private sector in building a strong, competitive potato industry. Mr. Bor also called on all partners to unite in transforming the potato sector into a key driver for Kenya’s food security and economic growth.
Beyond youth engagement, the event underscored the potato’s vital role in nutritional security, being rich in vitamin C, potassium and dietary fiber. The push for a resilient, climate-smart potato future emphasized advancing seed multiplication technologies, improving market linkages to boost farmer profitability and adopting sustainable farming practices such as crop diversification, soil health restoration, integrated pest management (IPM) and integrated soil fertility management (ISFM). Greater inclusion of youth and women in these efforts is critical to building a sustainable and prosperous potato industry.
Economic impact and farmer perspectives at IDP 2025
According to KIPPRA, the potato sector contributes over KES 50 billion annually to Kenya’s economy and supports more than 3.8 million people both directly and indirectly. In 2022, approximately 209,770 hectares were harvested, yielding between 2 and 3 million metric tonnes of potatoes. However, several challenges persist, as highlighted during a discussion at the IDP 2025 event in Nakuru County, Kenya. Farmers expressed concerns about unstable market prices for ware potatoes, limited access to clean and certified seed and poor post-harvest storage particularly for the popular Shangi variety.
A Call to action
Mr. Wachira, CEO of the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK), praised the collective effort that made the event a resounding success. He reaffirmed NPCK’s dedication to strengthening policies, fostering partnerships and empowering smallholder producers especially the youth and women who are shaping the future of the potato industry.
Reflecting on the deeper significance of the potato, he shared, “Most relationships begin with a plate of sweet crisps or chips, making the humble potato more than just a crop it is a treasured cultural bond that unites families, communities and nations.”
As we consider the potato’s journey from family tables to global food systems, this year’s International Day of Potato reminds us that the potato is far more than food. It represents history, innovation, resilience and hope deeply rooted in the past, yet continuously feeding the future.
