Tanzania and Kenya potato councils agree to work on seed supply

Monday 9th November 2026

By inAfrika Newsroom

The Potato Council of Tanzania and the National Potato Council of Kenya signed a five-year agreement to cooperate on certified seed supply and cross-border trade. The agreement sets out work on seed multiplication, research, quality standards and access to buyers.

The two industry bodies signed the memorandum on 28 October during the World Potato Congress in Naivasha, Kenya, Dira Makini reported. The areas of cooperation include field trials, training and techniques that allow growers to produce more planting material from healthy starter plants.

Seed potatoes are tubers grown for planting. The councils intend to share information on certification and plant-health requirements within the two countries’ existing regulatory systems. The reported agreement specifies no shipment volumes or start dates for commercial deliveries.

FreshPlaza reported that Kenya produces about 24,000 tonnes of certified potato seed against estimated annual demand of 150,000 tonnes. The figures imply a shortfall of about 126,000 tonnes and put local certified supply at about 16% of estimated demand.

The agreement also covers post-harvest handling and storage, alongside research and marketing. The councils’ work brings together seed producers, grower organisations, regulators and processors.

Have a verified news development or story? Send news submissions and supporting materials to news@inafrika.co.tz