The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) has officially come on board as a key partner in the organizing team for the 13th World Potato Congress (WPC), scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2026. This marks a historic moment, as it will be the first time the global event is held in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Bringing together over 1,000 delegates from across the world, the Congress will showcase the potato’s growing importance as a strategic food crop for food security, nutrition, economic empowerment, and international trade.
KALRO’s involvement signals Kenya’s commitment to anchoring the event in scientific research, innovation, and inclusive agricultural development.
Bringing together over 1,000 delegates from across the world, the Congress will showcase the potato’s growing importance as a strategic food crop for food security, nutrition, economic empowerment, and international trade. KALRO’s involvement signals Kenya’s commitment to anchoring the event in scientific research, innovation, and inclusive agricultural development.
Wachira Kaguongo, WPC International Advisor and CEO of the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK), welcomed the move, noting the organization’s long-standing role in advancing the potato industry. “We are thrilled to have KALRO join the WPC Kenya 2026 organizing team. Their leadership in research, seed systems, and climate-smart innovations adds tremendous value to our technical agenda,” he said.
As part of the organizing team, KALRO will work alongside NPCK, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), FreshCrop Ltd., and the International Potato Center (CIP). Together, these institutions aim to deliver a high-impact Congress focused on productivity, resilience, and market opportunities for the potato sector both locally and globally.
KALRO Director General Dr. Eliud Kireger expressed pride in the partnership, saying it reflects the organization’s national mandate in agricultural research and its efforts to drive technology adoption in farming communities. “As leaders in potato variety development and seed systems, we are delighted to partner with NPCK, FreshCrop, AFA, and CIP to bring this world-class event to Kenya and the region,” he remarked.
This milestone comes shortly after the successful Science Week held in Nairobi, which KALRO cohosted with CGIAR, further cementing Kenya’s place as a hub for agricultural research and innovation on the continent.