The National Potato Council and KFC in Kenya have identified the Markies potato variety as a suitable variety that farmers in that country can now grow to supply the US-based fast-food chain with locally sourced French fries. Certified Markies potato seed is produced in Kenya by Agrico Potato Services Africa (PSA).
As Gerald Andae reports for Business Daily, days after KFC received its imported shipment of potatoes that had seen it run out of fries, Wachira Kaguongo, chief executive at National Potato Council, said they agreed in a meeting last week to have local farmers plant the Markies variety to cut overreliance on imports.
He said they are now talking to a processor to put up the necessary infrastructure to support the cutting and freezing of chips before they are taken for processing at the restaurant.
“We are now talking to processors who can freeze and take them to KFC following the move to identify the variety that can be planted,” said Mr Kaguongo.
Currently, there are no processors in Kenya producing frozen chips, forcing the multinational franchise to import them from South Africa and Egypt.
The potato council will work with the Kenya Bureau of Standards to come up with the required standards, and conduct training that will ensure the produce meets the expectation of the buyers.
