Kenya to host 13th World Potato Congress after Poland withdrawal
The global potato event will bring over 1,000 delegates to Nairobi in late 2026.
KENYA – Kenya will host the 2026 World Potato Congress (WPC), following the cancellation of the event originally planned for Gdansk, Poland.
The World Potato Congress Inc. made the announcement after signing an agreement with the Polish Potato Federation to step back from organizing the event.
This decision follows a March 2025 review by the WPC Board, which reconsidered Kenya’s earlier bid. According to WPC President Peter VanderZaag, the country had already been selected as host in the past, but a delay was introduced to give time for better development of local partnerships.
“Initially, the 2026 Congress had been awarded to Kenya,” he said. “We regret the earlier decision to delay Kenya’s hosting.”
Now back on track, the Congress is expected to bring more than 1,000 delegates to Nairobi between late October and mid-November 2026. This timing will help avoid the country’s tourism peak season, which allows visitors to benefit from lower hotel rates.
Local partners step in
The event’s organization involves several Kenyan and international groups. These include the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK), the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), FreshCrop Limited, and the International Potato Center (CIP).
Wachira Kaguongo, WPC International Advisor and CEO of NPCK, confirmed that financial and logistical support has already been secured from corporate sponsors and global potato organizations.
The NPCK leads potato-related efforts in Kenya by working with public and private groups to grow the industry.
Dr. Bruno Linyiru, Director General of the AFA, praised the country’s efforts to modernize the sector. “Kenya continues to demonstrate leadership in agricultural innovation, backed by strong policies such as the National Potato Policy (2019) and the National Potato Strategy (2021–2025),” he said.
Farmer-centered innovations
FreshCrop Limited will play a major role in engaging smallholder farmers. Its CEO, Chris Gasperi, said the company’s hubsite delivery model helps improve access to seeds, training, and tools.
He credited past WPC events for inspiring FreshCrop’s own large-scale field days in Kenya. “In 2024, we hosted a field day with 8,000 farmers and industry players to share knowledge and test equipment,” said Gasperi.
Dr. Joyce Maru, Regional Director at CIP, noted that the upcoming Congress is a chance for the region to show its science-driven farming solutions. “This Congress will help boost collaboration and make room for innovations that improve food security and trade,” she said.
Professional Conference Organizers who managed the 2022 Congress in Dublin, Ireland, will also help run the Nairobi event. Details on registration, venues, and exact dates will be available by August 2025.
This event marks the first time a Sub-Saharan African country will host the World Potato Congress. Kenya’s potato research progress and welcoming culture are expected to provide a strong base for a successful gathering.
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