6th March, 2023 – It may be recalled how shocked Kenyans became when reports began filtering in the media in January 2022 that the multinational food giant KFC had run out of fries for customers following non-delivery of potatoes from their overseas suppliers. That potatoes for consumption by Kenyans had to be imported was a major surprise amidst the perennial woe and cry by Kenyan potato farmers especially in the potato-glut zone of Nyandarua of lack of market for their produce.
KFC was equally shocked by the sharp public rebuke, and together with other stakeholders have been working quietly behind the scenes to put in place mechanisms for a farmer-anchored sustainable supply chain for potatoes.
The project formed the ‘Potato Consortium’ that brings together all companies that bring on board domain expertise in all matters potatoes, to ensure the value chain – right from quality of seed to the farmer financing and eventually to the food plate – is consistent with the highest quality standards.
This is what was launched on 6th March 2023, and the journey towards full local production for Kenya’s favourite meal, the potato fries, has begun.
Stakeholders Present at MoU Signing
- The Governor, Nyandarua County HE Kiarie Badilisha
- Co-operative Bank Head of Agriculture Business Esther Kariuki
- Agrico’s Corien Herweijer
- Bayer East Africa’s Eunice Waithaka
- Simplifine Ltd’s Steven Carlyon
- Yara East Africa’s Carol Mumo
A Brief About the Project
Objective: Transforming lives of potato farmers in Kenya
The consortium of likeminded companies that play within the potato value chain, is addressing current barriers that potato farmers face, by enabling access to affordable and quality inputs, credit and sustainable markets.
The partners within the consortium have developed modular solutions that will help farmers increase potato yields though the use of appropriate input packages;
- Yara – crop nutrition and soil testing solutions
- Agrico PSA – provision seed varieties that are high yielding and appropriate for various uses
- Bayer – crop protection solutions.
- The Co-operative Bank of Kenya will provide capacity building support to the county Government and Co-operative Societies to enable them form and run strong, efficient and well governed potato Co-operatives. The bank will also provide affordable financing options for the farmers to ensure timely access to quality inputs, water, mechanization and post-harvest solutions.
- Simplifine Ltd, on the other end, will provide market access for the financed farmers by buying their produce.
The backbone of this will be capacity building on good agronomical practices, financial literacy, contractual literacy etc with agronomy support provided to assist farmers farm correctly. The end of result of this is higher yields experienced by farmers, creating sustainable incomes for the farmers.
Role of potatoes in Kenya’s Agricultural sector
Potato plays a key role and is among the top 5 important crops in Kenya, with approx. 450,000 acres of potato planted per year. The average productivity from studies conducted is 3 tons /acre, making it a loss making venture for farmers; industries within the potato value chain have growth limitations.
However, with the joint efforts of the partners in the consortium, the productivity can improve to approx. 14 ton/acre, with this contributing to food security and through consistent supply of potato, industries can grow.
Number of counties approached
Four counties in the first half of 2023 (Nyandarua, Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nyeri)
Number of farmers project is likely to impact
It is our desire that by 2026, this partnership will benefit 30,000 potato farmers in Kenya, improving yields by ~50% and reducing post-harvest losses by at least 50%, thereby delivering prosperity for farming communities. Key gaps will be addressed including agronomy, commercial and digital knowledge, access to finance and market.
Co-op Bank’s Strategic Involvement in Agri-Business/Agric Co-operatives Sector
Co-operative Bank is the leading Food & Agriculture financing bank in Kenya and working closely with like-minded partners and Agriculture value chain players is committed to significantly support the Agriculture and food systems transformation in Kenya.
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