National Potato Council Launches KSPI Project to Boost Potato Production in Four Counties

The National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK) has unveiled the Kenya Sustainable Potato Initiative (KSPI) Project. This ambitious initiative aims to revolutionize potato farming across four major potato-producing counties: Nyandarua, Nandi, Laikipia, and Meru. Launched in Ol Kalou Town, the KSPI project is designed to enhance every aspect of potato production, from seed development to market access, ultimately benefiting over 150,000 farmers.

The KSPI project is a strategic effort to address the myriad challenges faced by potato farmers in these key regions. NPCK Chief Executive Officer Wachira Kaguongo outlined the project’s objectives, emphasizing its dual focus on improving production efficiency and increasing farmer incomes. “Our goal with the KSPI project is to sustainably boost potato yields and enhance the incomes of about 150,000 farmers directly,” Kaguongo said. “Additionally, we aim to indirectly reach over 300,000 more farmers and create employment opportunities for approximately 5,000 youths and women.”

Central to the KSPI project is its collaborative approach, involving partnerships with several prominent organizations. NPCK is working alongside the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) – Tigon, Egerton University, AGRA, Simplifine, and Viazi Kings. These collaborations are pivotal in establishing a strong and efficient potato seed system, which is crucial for improving farmers’ access to high-quality seeds of the appropriate varieties.

Kaguongo highlighted that the KSPI project is not only focused on enhancing seed quality but also on creating a more supportive environment for the potato sub-sector. “We aim to improve the overall enabling environment and coordination within the potato industry,” he added. This holistic approach is intended to foster inclusive agricultural transformation and address systemic issues that have long plagued the sector.

AGRA Country Director John Macharia emphasized the importance of the potato industry in Kenya’s agricultural landscape. “Potato production is the second-largest crop sector in Kenya after maize,” Macharia noted. “With effective management and strategic interventions, we have the potential to significantly boost potato production.” He also underscored AGRA’s role in supporting the KSPI project, particularly in advancing the implementation of potato regulation for 50kg packaging—a regulation that has not yet been fully enforced.

One of the key challenges identified by the KSPI project is the limited availability of certified potato seeds. Currently, only 9 percent of potato seeds in Kenya are certified, a figure the project aims to increase to 29 percent by the end of the year. This increase in certification is expected to enhance seed quality and, consequently, potato yields. Nyandarua County Chief Officer for Agriculture, Samuel Gitaka, acknowledged the seed certification challenge but also highlighted local efforts to address it. “Nyandarua County has established a seed multiplication unit to accelerate the production of certified potato seeds,” Gitaka said. This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in meeting the demand for high-quality seeds.

The launch event was attended by officials from the four participating counties, who expressed strong support for the KSPI project. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit of the initiative and the commitment of local governments to improving potato production.

The KSPI project represents a significant milestone in Kenya’s agricultural development. By focusing on seed quality, market access, and job creation, the project is poised to make a profound impact on the potato sector. As it progresses, the initiative will be closely monitored to ensure that its ambitious goals are met and that the benefits are realized by farmers and communities across Nyandarua, Nandi, Laikipia, and Meru. This comprehensive approach not only aims to enhance potato production but also to drive sustainable agricultural growth in Kenya.