More than 800 delegates from 68 countries attended the 13th World Potato Congress in Naivasha, with Kenya leading national delegations with 311 participants.
The 13th World Potato Congress (WPC 2026) has concluded in Naivasha, Kenya, after bringing together more than 800 delegates from 68 countries for five days of discussions, knowledge exchange and networking across the global potato industry. Held from October 26–30, 2026, at Sawela Lodges and Convention Centre, the Congress was hosted by the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK) and FreshCrop Limited under the theme, “Global Potato Partnership for Enhanced Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Trade.”
Kenya recorded the largest national delegation, with 311 participants, reflecting strong local engagement in the international gathering. Delegates included farmers, researchers, policymakers, businesses and other stakeholders who took part in plenary sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions, technical engagements and conversations on the future of the global potato industry.
The Congress opened with remarks from Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, who set the stage for discussions on potato production, seed systems, research and innovation, climate-smart agriculture, food and nutrition security, value addition and international trade. Beyond the conference sessions, the programme provided opportunities for participants to connect across the potato value chain, exchange experiences and explore technologies and approaches aimed at strengthening the industry.
Gala dinner recognises global potato community
On October 28, delegates and partners gathered for the Congress Gala Dinner, an evening dedicated to celebration, recognition and appreciation of the collaborations and contributions supporting the advancement of the global potato industry. The event provided an opportunity to acknowledge the speakers, partners, sponsors, exhibitors, organisers and other stakeholders whose participation helped make the Congress possible.
Technical tours take delegates beyond the conference venue
On October 29, the Congress programme extended to practical engagements and technical visits, giving delegates an opportunity to observe different aspects of Kenya’s potato and wider horticultural value chains. The Farmer Field Day was held at FreshCrop Limited in Mau-Narok, Nakuru County, where farmers and delegates engaged with practical demonstrations, production technologies and innovations.
Other technical tours took participants to KALRO Potato Research Centre in Tigoni, KEPHIS Plant Quarantine and Biosecurity Station in Muguga, Norda Industries Limited (Urban Bites), Krackles Crisps Processing Plant, Hanna Roses Biotech Laboratory, Sereni Fries Processing Plant, Stokman Rozen, FreshCrop Limited, FreshChips Processing Centre and the Minituber Production Centre. The visits offered exposure to research, production, processing, plant health, biotechnology and other areas relevant to agricultural development and the potato value chain.
4K Club brings young people into the potato conversation
Youth participation was another feature of WPC 2026, with the inclusion of the 4K Club providing an opportunity to connect young people with agriculture and the future of potato farming. Through competitions and award categories covering nutrition promotion videos, potato dish presentations, artwork and demonstration plots, young participants showcased their creativity, knowledge and practical skills. The initiative highlighted the importance of introducing young people to agriculture and encouraging their interest in potato production, innovation and food security.
Delegates experience Kenya’s natural heritage
On October 30, delegates concluded their Kenya experience with visits to Lake Nakuru National Park and Nairobi National Park, offering an opportunity to experience the country’s wildlife and natural heritage. The Congress closing ceremony was presided over by Hon. Dr. Paul Kipronoh Ronoh, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. His presence marked the formal conclusion of the five-day gathering and Kenya’s hosting of the international potato industry event.
Belgium takes over the hosting baton
With the conclusion of WPC 2026, Kenya handed over to Belgium to host the next World Potato Congress. The transition marks the continuation of the global platform, which brings together stakeholders from across the potato value chain to exchange knowledge, build partnerships and explore opportunities for the industry. For Kenya, hosting the 13th Congress provided an opportunity to showcase its potato sector, research institutions, farmers, businesses and wider agricultural capabilities to an international audience.
The partnerships established, knowledge exchanged and ideas shared in Naivasha provide a foundation for continued collaboration and progress across the global potato industry. The organisers expressed appreciation to all delegates, farmers, speakers, partners, sponsors, exhibitors, technical teams and everyone who contributed to the successful hosting of WPC 2026. As the global potato community looks ahead to Belgium, Kenya’s Congress leaves behind renewed connections and a shared commitment to strengthening potato production, food systems, nutrition security and international trade.
HortiNews | Growing Ideas