Kenya to host 13th World Potato Congress in 2026
Country becomes first in Sub Saharan Africa to stage global potato event after venue change from Poland.
KENYA – Kenya will host the 13th World Potato Congress in October or November 2026 after organizers confirmed a venue change from Gdansk, Poland.
World Potato Congress Inc. announced that it reached an agreement with the Polish Potato Federation to cancel the June 2026 event in Poland and move it to Kenya. The decision follows a fresh request by the National Potato Council of Kenya to reconsider its earlier bid.
WPC President Peter VanderZaag said Kenya had first won the right to host the 2026 Congress before the board stepped back in 2024.
“Initially, the 2026 Congress had been awarded to Kenya,” he said. “We later agreed to allow Kenya more time to firm up local agreements. We are pleased that the host committee moved quickly to address key areas and ensure a successful global event.”
He added that the Congress seeks to support food security and reduce extreme poverty by promoting potatoes as a key food crop, especially for youth and women.
Strong local and global backing
The Congress will bring together more than 1,000 delegates. Organizers include the National Potato Council of Kenya, the Agriculture and Food Authority, FreshCrop Ltd., and the International Potato Center.
Wachira Kaguongo, CEO of the National Potato Council of Kenya and WPC International Advisor, said partners have secured the needed support.
“With strong backing from global and local industry players and corporate sponsors, we now have the logistical resources required to deliver the event at the level expected by WPC and its partners,” he said.
Dr. Bruno Linyiru, Director General of the Agriculture and Food Authority, called the event a historic first for Sub Saharan Africa.
“This marks a proud moment for Kenya and reflects years of steady progress in our potato sector,” he said, citing the National Potato Policy of 2019 and the National Potato Strategy 2021 to 2025.
Field tours and global focus
Chris Gasperi, Founder and Managing Director of FreshCrop Ltd., said Kenya will host field days after the Congress.
“We look forward to inviting the world to attend a similar field event as part of the post Congress tours in November 2026,” he said, referring to past events that drew thousands of farmers.
Dr. Joyce Maru, Regional Director for CIP Africa, said the Congress will strengthen links between science and industry.
“This will be the first World Potato Congress held in Africa, and it offers a strong platform to connect global and local leaders,” she said.
Organizers expect to confirm dates, venue details, and registration information by August 2025.
Be the first to leave a comment