The World Potato Congress Inc. (WPC) has announced that Kenya will be hosting the 13th World Potato Congress in October/November 2026. This decision follows a change in plans after the Polish Potato Federation (PPF) and WPC agreed to cancel the event scheduled for Gdansk, Poland, in June 2026.
The WPC Board of Directors reviewed the request by the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK) to reconsider their bid for the 2026 event. “Initially, the 2026 Congress had been awarded to Kenya,” said Peter VanderZaag, WPC President. “And it had been with great regret to announce in May of 2024 that the WPC would need to step away to allow for Kenya to further develop contractual relationships in country,” he added.
“Hosting a World Potato Congress comes with many important factors to be considered. We are excited that the Kenya host committee was immediate and proactive in addressing the key areas to ensure a global success story for their country,” said VanderZaag. He also highlighted the Congress’s goal to promote global food security, with a special focus on potatoes as an essential crop for inclusive economic growth, especially for women and youth.
Key Organizers and Support
The organizing committee for the event includes the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK), which represents the potato industry, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), which represents the government, and FreshCrop Ltd., a key player in the private sector. The International Potato Center (CIP) will offer technical and organizational support.
“With the engagement of global potato industry and local potato organizations, backed by corporate sponsors, we have been able to obtain the logistical resources needed to pull off the event at the caliber expected by the WPC and its partners,” stated Wachira Kaguongo, WPC International Advisor and CEO of NPCK.
Transforming the Potato Industry
The National Potato Council of Kenya is a public-private partnership formed by various stakeholders in the potato industry. The organization’s primary mission is to coordinate activities along the entire potato value chain, aiming to create a competitive, self-regulating industry. Its members include seed potato producers, ware potato farmers, cooperatives, traders, processors, researchers, and government entities.
A Milestone for Kenya’s Agricultural Development
“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,” said Dr. Bruno Linyiru, Director General of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA).
This milestone is a result of years of development, including the launch of the National Potato Policy (2019), Crops (Irish Potato) Regulations (2019), and the National Potato Strategy (2021–2025). With efforts focused on improving seed systems and farmer empowerment, Kenya is positioning itself as a global leader in potato production and food security.
“More than just a crop, potato is a second staple crop in Kenya, a pillar of resilience, and a symbol of innovation and global connection. As the world turns its eyes to Kenya in 2026, the Congress promises to be a celebration of progress, a hub of partnerships, and a catalyst for innovation in sustainable agriculture. Get ready to grow ideas, plant partnerships, and harvest a better future — in Kenya! Welcome, and let the event begin!” Linyiru concluded.
FreshCrop’s Role in Supporting Farmers
Chris Gasperi, Founder & Managing Director of FreshCrop Ltd., has been an active participant in previous World Potato Congresses and is excited about the opportunity to bring the event to Kenya. FreshCrop received the Presidential National Farmers Award in 2023 for their large-scale, fully commercialized farm.
Through its hubsite delivery model, FreshCrop has impacted over 15,000 smallholder farmers in Kenya by providing access to certified seeds, agrochemical inputs, mechanization services, financing options, and market connections. They also offer training to support farmers in their network.
“Inspired by the WPC’s successful post-Congress field days, we have developed a similar model for producers to attend our field days,” said Gasperi. In 2024, FreshCrop hosted its third Annual Farmers Field Day, attracting 8,000 farmers over two days. The event showcased 26 demo plots, comparing fertilizer and agrochemical programs, as well as mechanization demonstrations. Financial institutions, processors, and regulatory bodies also provided training.
“We look forward to inviting the world to attend a similar event as part of the post-Congress tours in November 2026.”
The International Potato Center’s Involvement
The International Potato Center (CIP) has been instrumental in advancing research and technologies that improve yields, incomes, and nutritional benefits for farmers and communities along the potato value chain in Africa.
“For CIP, the Congress represents a vital opportunity not only to showcase the science-based solutions but also to 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,” said Dr. Joyce Maru, Regional Director for CIP Africa.
What to Expect at the 2026 Congress
The Congress is scheduled for late October to mid-November 2026. “By holding this event during this period, we are not conflicting with peak tourism in Kenya, providing an opportunity for reduced hotel room rates and tour packages for delegates,” noted Kaguongo. “While it can be a challenge to find a date that serves all regions of the globe, these proposed dates for the Congress sit outside the key potato cropping windows in North America and Europe.”
With over 1,000 global delegates expected, the Congress will offer pre-conference workshops, networking receptions, and post-Congress tours of farms and processing operations. The congress will cover topics such as sustainable agriculture, food security, and innovations in the potato industry.
Source: World Potato Congress