The World Potato Congress Inc. has officially announced that Kenya will host the 2026 edition of the World Potato Congress (WPC), following a strategic change in location from Gdańsk, Poland. The decision was reached after a mutual agreement between the Polish Potato Federation and WPC to cancel the previously planned Polish edition.

Initially awarded to Kenya before being postponed in 2024, the event’s reinstatement reflects the significant progress made by Kenyan stakeholders in establishing the required infrastructure and partnerships. “Hosting a World Potato Congress comes with many important factors to be considered,” said WPC President Peter VanderZaag. “We are excited that the Kenya host committee was immediate and proactive in addressing the key areas to ensure a global success story for their country.”

Themed Developing Global Potato Partnerships for Enhanced Food Systems, Food Security and International Trade, the Congress will be held between late October and mid-November 2026. The timing avoids peak tourism and major cropping periods in North America and Europe, creating cost-effective travel and accommodation options for international delegates.

Key organizers include the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK), private sector partner FreshCrop Ltd., and the International Potato Center (CIP), supported by global sponsors and local government. The Congress will be managed by Keynote Professional Conference Organizers, which successfully ran the 2022 edition in Dublin.

“This development represents a win for both Kenya’s potato industry and the global community,” said Wachira Kaguongo, CEO of NPCK and WPC International Advisor. “We’ve secured the logistical capacity and local partnerships needed to deliver an event that meets WPC’s global standards.”

FreshCrop Ltd. to Host Post-Congress Technical Tours

FreshCrop Ltd., a large-scale commercial farming operation in Kenya, will play a key role in the event’s post-Congress field tours. The company has previously received national recognition for its model, which integrates over 15,000 smallholder farmers through certified seed supply, input services, mechanization, financing, and market access.

“Inspired by the WPC’s successful field days, we’ve developed our own model,” said FreshCrop Managing Director Chris Gasperi. “In 2024, we hosted over 8,000 farmers during a two-day field event featuring 50 value chain stakeholders. We look forward to welcoming the world to a similar showcase in 2026.”

CIP’s Science-Based Contribution to African Potato Development

CIP, a global research institution with over 50 years of work in Africa, will support the Congress through technical expertise and innovation transfer. “This event represents a vital opportunity to demonstrate science-based solutions and foster collaboration,” said Dr. Joyce Maru, CIP’s Regional Director for Africa. “This will be CIP’s second time co-hosting the WPC, after our role in the 2018 edition in Peru—the first held in Latin America.”

Congress Format and Global Engagement

The 2026 Congress is expected to draw over 1,000 delegates, including policymakers, researchers, processors, suppliers, and producers from across the global potato value chain. The program will feature plenary sessions, thematic workshops, networking receptions, and technical tours to commercial farms and processing sites.

Kenya’s growing reputation as a hub for potato innovation in East Africa, combined with its strategic partnerships and strong research foundation, positions it as a fitting host for this globally significant event. Full details on venue, registration, sponsorship, and programming are expected to be released by August 2025.