On 19th September 2024, the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK), in collaboration with AGRA and the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), hosted a pivotal meeting at Concord Hotel to address key challenges and opportunities within the potato processing industry. The event, titled the “Potato Processors Solutions Search and Planning Meeting,” gathered a diverse array of stakeholders, including top industry players such as Viazi Kings, Sereni Fries, Simplifine, Twiga Foods, Njoro Canning Factory, Yummy Pot, Wedgehut Foods, Prim Potatoes, and WAFA Kenya.
The primary goal of the meeting was to review the current status of the potato sector and identify priority areas for intervention to enhance the value chain. Among the critical issues discussed were the adoption of suitable potato varieties for processing, the promotion of contract farming as a reliable model, and addressing challenges around potato sizes, quantities, and quality to meet market demands.
The discussion also highlighted the increasing opportunities in the potato processing industry, as consumer demand for processed potato products like crisps and fries continues to rise. The attendees emphasized the need for collaboration across the value chain to improve production standards and ensure a consistent supply of high-quality potatoes.
To ensure swift and coordinated action, the meeting concluded with the formation of a dedicated committee tasked with fast-tracking the agreed-upon priority intervention areas. This committee will play a crucial role in driving the adoption of innovative practices, fostering partnerships, and unlocking processing opportunities that could transform the potato sector in Kenya.
This meeting underscored the industry’s collective commitment to creating a more structured, profitable, and sustainable potato processing sector
