27/10/2026
Potatoes are a vital pillar of food security, farmer livelihoods and economic growth, making quality planting material, improved varieties and effective plant health management essential to a productive and sustainable potato sector.
KEPHIS, led by Board Chairman Hon. Joseph M’eruaki, alongside Board members, management and teams from Headquarters, Naivasha, Muguga and Nakuru, is participating in the 13th World Potato Congress, taking place from 26th to 30th October 2026 at Sawela Lodge, Naivasha. The Congress was officially opened by the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Mutahi Kagwe.
At the Congress, KEPHIS is showcasing its role in strengthening Kenya’s potato sector through seed certification, phytosanitary services, laboratory testing and Plant Variety Protection (PVP). These services help ensure the quality and health of agricultural inputs and produce, safeguard farmers against poor-quality seed, minimise the spread of pests and diseases and support safe trade and improved crop productivity.
Through Plant Variety Protection, KEPHIS supports the development and introduction of improved potato varieties by providing a framework for protecting the rights of plant breeders. This encourages investment in plant breeding and innovation, facilitating the development of varieties with desirable traits such as higher yields, improved quality and resilience to pests, diseases and changing climatic conditions.
KEPHIS is also participating in high-level discussions and poster presentations, sharing knowledge, experiences and innovations that support the development of a resilient and competitive potato industry.
Through its participation, KEPHIS continues to promote quality assurance, plant health and varietal innovation, contributing to improved agricultural productivity, stronger farmer livelihoods, food security and sustainable economic growth.
