Kenya Nears Release of Disease-Resistant 3R Potatoes to Protect Farmers from Late Blight

After decades of research and funding, new resilient potato varieties are finally close to approval and release in Kenya.

The effort was undertaken to protect farmers from losing their harvests and livelihoods to the terrible scourge of an infamous and old disease, known as Late Blight, best known for its role in the "Great Hunger" or Irish Potato Famine.

These “3R” potatoes have been painstakingly developed by the International Potato Center (CIP) through research in Lima, Peru, and Nairobi, Kenya. Late Blight, caused by the water mold Phytophthora infestans, remains a persistent threat to potato production because of limited and largely defeated resistance in domesticated potato (Solanum tuberosum).

Potato relatives, like Solanum bulbocastanum, are hardier, with resistance receptors that detect P. infestans and trigger the plant’s innate defenses. CIP scientists have shown that these receptors can be introduced into domesticated potato varieties preferred by farmers, retaining good yield, flavor, and other characteristics.

Researcher tending to young potato seedlings in a controlled environment to ensure disease resistance and strong growth.

These disease receptors are widespread and naturally present in all plants. However, because the receptors from these potato relatives were introduced as individual genes through biotechnology, they undergo strict safety testing and regulatory scrutiny, adding time, effort, and cost to the project. 

Now, after more than 20 years of effort and funding, a 3R variety is on the cusp of release in East Africa. The final stages are being advanced in Kenya by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). 

2Blades Foundation has been a long-term funder and collaborator of the project, alongside Feed the Future, J.R. Simplot Company, and many other research partners. Their support ensured the project could continue in Kenya after the abrupt withdrawal of USAID funds earlier this year.

Healthy potato plants growing in a greenhouse at KALRO’s research site in Kenya, part of trials for resilient late blight–resistant varieties.

During a recent visit to KALRO’s Potato and Biotech research sites, led by Samson Kamunya and Moses Nyongesa, the process for the final stages of regulatory approval in Kenya was observed. With resistance efficacy and yield protection clearly established, the team is now producing enough material for Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) review, aiming for release in 2026. 

The finish line is near in Kenya, which is great news for potato growers and consumers, and paves the way for similar benefits in other countries.