Kenya Set to Host Historic 13th World Potato Congress in 2026: A Landmark Moment for Africa’s Potato Sector

The World Potato Congress Inc. and the official hosts for the 2026 World Potato Congress - the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK) and FreshCrop Limited - are excited to officially launch the logistics around the 13th World Potato Congress (WPC 2026). 

Set to take place from the 26th to 30th October 2026 in Naivasha, Kenya, it will be the first time in its over thirty year history that the World Potato Congress will be hosted in Sub-Saharan Africa, marking a milestone moment for the continent and the global potato community.

WPC 2026 to Make Historic Debut in Sub-Saharan Africa

Scheduled to take place from October 26 to 30, 2026, in the scenic town of Naivasha, Kenya, the Congress will be hosted at the picturesque Sawela Lodges and Convention Centre, nestled on the shores of Lake Naivasha in the iconic Great Rift Valley. The venue is expected to welcome over 1,000 delegates from more than 60 countries, including top experts in agriculture, science, policy, investment, and development sectors.

Kenya hosts the 13th World Potato Congress in Naivasha, 26–30 October 2026 — a global showcase of potato innovation, trade, culture, and sustainability in Africa’s rising agri-sector.

Congress Theme and Objectives

Under the theme “Global Potato Partnership for Enhanced Food Systems, Nutrition Security and Trade”, the Congress will explore the transformative role of potatoes in global food systems. It aims to advance climate-smart agriculture, inclusive economic growth, and food and nutrition security through multi-stakeholder collaboration.

The five-day event will feature plenary sessions, technical talks, exhibitions, innovation showcases, and field visits. Delegates will gain insight into:

• Global potato production and trade, policy and regulation
• Potato variety development and seed systems
• Pest and disease management, post-harvest technologies, and value addition
• Mechanization, climate-smart technologies, and big data
• Food and nutrition security with inclusive models for women, youth, and MSMEs
• Private sector investment and potato partnerships Key Program Highlights

WPC 2026: A Landmark Edition

WPC Kenya 2026 is set to become a landmark edition of the event with:

• Representation from over 60 countries More than 1,000 global delegates
• A spotlight on Africa’s emerging potato sector
• A full agenda of impactful learning and collaboration

Attendees can also participate in partner programs, post-congress field visits, and local safari and scenic tours, offering a rich cultural and professional experience.

Congress co-host FreshCrop Ltd’s annual farmer field day, Nakuru, Kenya

Meet the Hosts: NPCK and FreshCrop Ltd.

The National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK) is a multi-stakeholder, public-private partnership organization focused on transforming the potato industry into a competitive and sustainable sector. Its members include farmers, researchers, seed producers, processors, traders, financial institutions, regulators, and development agencies.

FreshCrop Ltd., a major Kenyan potato producer, annually produces over 4,000 tons of certified seed and 4,000 tons of ware potatoes. Operating across nine potato-growing zones, the company partners with over 15,000 smallholder farmers and hosts an annual farmer field day attended by 8,000 participants. This event showcases technologies, best practices, and networking with over 50 industry stakeholders. In 2023, FreshCrop won the Presidential National Farmers Award for its excellence in commercial potato farming.

Information on NPCK and FreshCrop can be found here: https://wpc2026kenya.com/wpc2026hosts/

Technical and Logistical Support

The official hosts of the 2026 Congress are grateful for the technical and logistical support in organizing this prestigious event. This includes:

Kenya Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA):

The Kenya Agriculture and Food Authority is a State Corporation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. Its mandate is to develop, promote and regulate scheduled crops (Potato included) as per the Crops Act, 2013. Learn more https://www.afa.go.ke/

Dr. Bruno Linyiru, Director General of the Kenya Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA):

"Kenya’s hosting of the 2026 World Potato Congress marks a historic first for Sub-Saharan Africa, a proud moment for our nation and a testament to our growing leadership in agricultural innovation."

International Potato Centre (CIP):

Over the past 50 years, CIP has been a research hub for developing, testing and deploying technologies and tools that have improved yields, farm incomes and enhanced health benefits for millions of farmers and beneficiaries, processors, traders and communities engaged along the potato value chain in Africa

Dr Joyce Maru, The Regional Director for CIP Africa:

"For CIP, the Congress represents a vital opportunity not only to show case the science-based solutions but also engage with the global and local industry leaders as we strengthen collaboration."

"This will mark our second participation in hosting WPC- having hosted the 10th WPC in Cusco, Peru in May 2018, which was the first WPC to be held in Latin America and now the first WPC to be held in Africa."

Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO):

The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization has officially joined the organizing team for the upcoming 13th World Potato Congress. KALRO is an anchor state corporation in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development with a significant role in the potato sector as principal advisor of the government through the Cabinet Secretary on potato crop improvement. 

KALRO will provide expertise to support the Congress and the technical agenda, including contributions to knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and evidence-based policy dialogue. The organization’s vast experience in potato research and development will help shape discussions around productivity, resilience, and market systems for the potato sector in Africa and beyond.

Wachira Kaguongo, WPC International Advisor and CEO of the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK):

"We are thrilled to welcome KALRO, our long-time partner in the industry, to the organizing team of WPC Kenya 2026."

"Their participation brings strong research leadership and a deep understanding of the potato sector, especially in areas of seed systems, pest and disease management, and climate-smart technologies."

Dr. Eliud K. Kireger, Director General of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO):

"As a national organization with the sole mandate for agricultural research in Kenya, KALRO has endeavored to maximize uptake of its innovations for impact on national agricultural production and food security efforts."

"as leader in the potato sector through our variety development and seed systems we are delighted to work alongside NPCK, Freshcrop, AFA and CIP in bringing the first World Potato Congress to Kenya and Sub-Saharan Africa."

Karibu Kenya! A Warm Welcome to the World Potato Congress 2026

Peter VanderZaag, WPC President:

"We are pleased to be launching these logistics for the Congress. The Kenya hosts and respective committees continue to unfold what will be a world class, global networking opportunity for the potato industry in Kenya for 2026."

For more information, visit the official Congress website: www.wpc2026kenya.com

For more insight into FreshCrop's impact on the potato industry in Kenya, check out this video: