News
Announcing Plenary Speaker Dr. Simon Heck, Kenya Airways Partnership, and IWD 2026
Speaker Announcement!
Dr. Simon Heck
We are pleased to introduce our first plenary speaker for the World Potato Congress 2026 in Kenya: Announcing Dr. Simon Heck!
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.
We are excited that he will be joining us in Naivasha for WPC 2026 Kenya, 26th – 30th October 2026!
Dr. Heck will be presenting on “Potatoes for the Globe”
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
We are pleased to announce that 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 below to use the code and view full terms and conditions:
Recap
Celebration of International Women’s Day
As we celebrated International Women’s Day on 8th March, we highlighted two women scientists and the vital role they play in shaping the future of the global potato industry!
Dr. Dinah Borus, is a Senior Agricultural Scientist based in Nairobi, Kenya & Dr. Monica Parker has a career spanning 20 years in agriculture and food systems development.
We are thrilled that Dr. Parker will be presenting on “Rooted Apical Cuttings: Adoption, Use Cases and International Experiences” at WPC 2026 Kenya and Dr. Borus summed up the importance of International Women’s Day by stating:
“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.”
Call for Abstracts
Deadline: 20th May
Registration Open
Early Deadline: 1st July
Take a look at what’s on offer when you visit Kenya by viewing our Congress preview!
Sponsorship & Exhibition
Interested in learning more about sponsorship and opportunities to exhibit in the trade show and field day? Click the button below to learn more:
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 our official website to obtain information about the congress in Kenya.
13th WORLD POTATO CONGRESS
KENYA: 26-30 OCTOBER 2026
Visit the WPC 2026 website: wpc2026kenya.com
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