Status of Potato Farming in Kenya and Its Contribution to the Economy

Potato is the second most important crop in Kenya after maize in terms of consumption. It is grown by approximately 500,000 small scales on 120,000 hectares and with an average yield of 7.7 tonnes per hectare.

It is grown by more than 800,000 farmers generating more than Sh50 billion to the country.

Every farmer looks for tricks to better potato farming in Kenya. Most Kenyan farmers started with potato farms having been told of the huge profits in the market. The truth sometimes is hard to bear given the fact that despite potato having high yields, that is not always the case in every harvest.

This crop is very crucial towards contributing to the growth of the economy of Kenya, therefore requires attention both in terms of resources and long-term planning. There there are numerous challenges facing the potato sub-sector including inadequate research and development, inadequate quality seed and planting materials, low productivity, weak research-extension-farmer linkages, low level of value addition and poor market infrastructure.

Kenyan potato farmers grow different seed varieties including Kenya Karibu, Tigoni and Sangi. Each variety does well under different climatic conditions and is ideal for various markets.  An example is, those exporting frozen chips prefer to grow the Tigoni variety because it is preferred by the export market and is easy to cook. Depending on the type of the potatoes, they have different functions meant for them.

Most farmers get their potato seeds from Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and other research institutions.  Getting the right seeds is key in potato farming as diseases are the biggest headache for farmers and take a huge toll on yields.

According to a report from the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), Irish potato has a high potential for addressing food insecurity, unemployment and low farm incomes in Kenya due to its high productivity per unit area and its versatility in utilization. Potato is said to be the second most important food crop in the country after maize.

About 1.5 million tons of potatoes worth 40 to 50 billion shillings used to be produced each year, generating the source of livelihood for millions of Kenyans.

The importance of planting the right and tested seeds is so as to avoid infestation of pests. Mid this year, the infestation of potatoes by the Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN), a deadly pest that was discovered in the country two years ago was said to have reached alarming levels.

A survey done in 20 counties through support from United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) showed that PCN infestation had reached 80 percent to 100 percent in some of the potato growing areas across the country.

The study showed that the future of potato production was bleak unless the government took emergency measures to stem the rapid spread of the devastating pest.

According to experts’ potatoes should not be planted continuously. If a farmer plants the potato in one season, that piece of land should not be under potato cultivation next season. This is to reduce the chances of disease and improve soil fertility.

But on the other hand, the Ministry of Agriculture stepped in to secure the future for potato farmers after the Kenya Plant Inspectorate Health Service (Kephis) developed over 50 new varieties that are high-yielding, pest resistant and suitable for specific regions.

The varieties were showcased last week at the Kephis Kitale offices, with Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett and a host of government officials in attendance.

All the new varieties are said to be high tuber yielding, disease tolerant and or resistant and have excellent tuber qualities for the various market niches.

There are 13 major potato producing counties in Kenya and they include Nyandarua, Meru, Nyeri, Kiambu, Taita Taveta, Nakuru, Narok, Bomet, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Uasin Gishu and West Pokot.