World Potato Congress 2026 secures Kenya Airways as official airline partner

KENYA – Kenya’s national carrier Kenya Airways has confirmed its role as the official airline partner for the upcoming World Potato Congress 2026, strengthening travel access for global delegates expected to attend the event in Kenya.

The airline announced that registered participants will receive up to 12 percent off flight bookings made between 19 October and 6 November 2026 using the code WPC26KE through the congress website.

The congress will take place from October 26 to October 30, 2026 at Sawela Lodges and Convention Centre. Organizers expect more than 1,000 delegates from over 60 countries, including farmers, processors, researchers, policymakers, and agribusiness leaders.

Partnership talks ahead of the congress

The partnership follows a recent meeting at the airline’s headquarters in Nairobi. Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at Kenya Airways, hosted officials from the National Potato Council of Kenya together with senior members of the airline’s marketing and communications team.

The delegation included Wachira Kaguongo, Chief Executive Officer of the council and chair of the congress planning committee, Dr. Dinah Borus, program leader for the congress, and Dr. Kimani Rugendo, a board member of the council.

During the discussions, both sides reviewed areas of cooperation linked to the event. The teams focused on flights, international connections, and joint promotion of the congress as Kenya prepares to host participants from across the globe. They also reviewed possible use of Fahari Aviation drones in agriculture.

Global spotlight on Kenya’s potato sector

Dr. Borus welcomed the airline’s involvement and stressed the value of its global network.

“As the first host of the premier global potato event in Sub Saharan Africa, we will be honored to have Kenya Airways as the official airline partner for the congress,” she said.

She noted that the airline serves more than 40 international destinations, many of which match the expected travel routes of congress participants.

“We expect delegates from more than 60 countries. Kenya Airways can support travel while giving the event strong visibility,” Borus added.

Organizers including the World Potato Congress Inc., the National Potato Council of Kenya, and FreshCrop Limited will host the congress under the theme “Developing Global Potato Partnerships for Enhanced Food Systems, Food Security and International Trade.”

The event marks the first time the congress takes place in Sub Saharan Africa. Industry leaders view the meeting as a key moment for Kenya’s potato value chain, which plays a major role in farmer incomes, food supply, and agricultural trade.

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