World Potato Congress 2026 Kenya key highlights speakers, partnerships and industry developments

The 13th World Potato Congress will be hosted in Nairobi, Kenya, in October/November 2026. Organized by World Potato Congress Inc., this premier global event will bring together key stakeholders from across the potato value chain. The Congress will highlight leading speakers, industry partnerships, scientific innovation and Kenya’s growing role in the global potato sector. 
 

First plenary speaker announced for WPC 2026 Kenya

Dr. Simon Heck as the first plenary speaker for the World Potato Congress 2026 in Kenya. Simon Heck is Director General of the International Potato Center (CIP), a research center of the CGIAR Integrated Partnership. He is a member of the CGIAR Global Leadership Team.

Headquartered in Lima, Peru, CIP delivers science and innovation on Root and Tuber Crops through a global network of public and private sector partners in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Simon has extensive research experience in agri-food systems and environmental management. An anthropologist by training, he has held senior science and policy positions with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), and the WorldFish Center.

He has contributed to agricultural and environmental policy and strategy development in several regional and national institutions in Africa and Asia. Dr. Heck is scheduled to join the World Potato Congress 2026 in Naivasha, Kenya, taking place from October 26 to 30, 2026.

He will present on "Potatoes for the Globe".

Dr. Simon Heck, Director General at the International Potato Center (CIP), a research center of the CGIAR Integrated Partnership, and member of the CGIAR Global Leadership Team

Kenya Potato Industry: Did You Know?

Kenya has unique agricultural rhythms that make it a global leader in potato production. Unlike many regions that operate as a single cycle, Kenyan farmers leverage the equatorial climate to plant in both March and October. 

This helps ensure continuous food security by providing a steady supply of fresh potatoes throughout the year. At the same time, climate resilience is improved, as strategic planting windows allow farmers to maximize natural rainfall and adapt to changing weather patterns. In addition, having two seasons drives economic growth, as double harvest opportunities enable smallholder farmers to expand production, participate more actively in trade, and explore value addition within the potato value chain. 

This tradition of climate-smart timing is a core reason why Naivasha, Kenya was chosen to host the global potato community in 2026. From the volcanic soils of the Rift Valley to the highland breeze, the rhythm of the rain dictates the pulse of the nation. 

During the Post-Congress Field Day, delegates attending the 13th World Potato Congress will have the opportunity to view farmland that benefits from this duel cycle every year.
 

Kenya Airways Official Airline Partner of WPC 2026 Kenya

Kenya Airways is the official airline partner of WPC 2026 Kenya! As part of this agreement, Kenya Airways are offering up to 12% off flight bookings in the window from 19th October – 6th November 2026. 

Discount Code: WPC26KE 

Don't delay, view the official website to use the code and view full terms and conditions.

WPC 2026 Kenya highlighted global partnerships and accessibility, with Kenya Airways supporting international participation in the World Potato Congress.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8, the World Potato Congress highlighted two women scientists and the important role they play in shaping the future of the global potato industry. 

Dr. Dinah Borus is a Senior Agricultural Scientist based in Nairobi, Kenya, while Dr. Monica Parker has a career spanning 20 years in agriculture and food systems development. Dinah Borus is scheduled to present on "Rooted Apical Cuttings: Adoption, Use Cases and International Experiences" at the World Potato Congress 2026 in Kenya.

Dinah Borus:

"Today, I celebrate the women who shaped our world - those who raised us, taught us from early childhood through to college, and led with kindness and love. The women who wake before dawn in the rural areas to till the land and produce food that nourish us. Those who drive scientific innovation, especially on agriculture where the potato reigns as king. I honour their resilience, their leadership, their commitment, and the powerful impact they continue to make in our world."

WPC 2026 Kenya celebrated International Women’s Day by recognizing Dr. Dinah Borus and Dr. Monica Parker for their contributions to the global potato industry.

Call for Abstracts

Registration Open

A preview of World Potato Congress 2026 showcased what Kenya had to offer to participants.

Sponsorship & Exhibition

Official information and participation details for WPC 2026 Kenya

Please be aware of unauthorized agencies acting as agents for WPC 2026. Keynote PCO is the official professional conference organizer for this event. Only consult the official website  to obtain information about the congress in Kenya.

The Congress offered a wide range of opportunities for attending delegates and accompanying guests. As the host, Kenya looked forward to welcoming participants to the 13th World Potato Congress.