News

With just under 6 months to go until the 13th World Potato Congress in Naivasha, Kenya, preparation is ramping up and we are pleased to bring news highlights from the last few weeks.

The May 20th abstract submission deadline is fast approaching. Early registration deadline is 1st July. Visit our official website for all the news and announcements.

 

Official WPC 2026 Kenya Website

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We are delighted to have announced the latest speakers for WPC 2026 Kenya,

Jamey Higham

As President/CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission, Jamey is no stranger to Idaho’s “Potato Country.” Born and raised in Shelley, Idaho, potatoes have played a big role in Jamey’s life. He studied Political Science at BYU in Provo, Utah and received his MBA in International Marketing from The Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Jamey has given back to the produce industry throughout his career. He is as a current member of the United Fresh Government Relations Council, has supported the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership class 13, and has served for the past three years on the Board of Directors for the International Fresh Produce Association.

Jamey Higham will be presenting on “Branding and Marketing”

Prof. Hamadi Boga

Prof. Hamadi Boga is a seasoned professional with nearly 30 years of experience as a scientist, academic, and government technocrat. As the Vice President – Programs Delivery, at AGRA, he oversees AGRA’s delivery function in 15 AGRA Countries spread across East, Southern and West Africa.

Prof. Boga is widely recognized for his strategic leadership in agriculture policy and fundraising, particularly in spearheading the development and implementation of Kenya’s 10-year Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy.

Prof. Boga will be presenting on “Role of AGRA in supporting food security through the potato value chain”

Soundararadjane S.

Soundararadjane serves as the Chief Executive Officer of HyFarm, the agri-business arm of HyFun Foods, and is widely recognized as a leading voice in India’s fast-rising processing-grade potato sector and a champion of technology-enabled, value-driven agriculture.

At HyFarm, he leads the development of a next-generation production architecture grounded in modern agronomy, digital traceability, and sustainability-led practices. His work focuses on elevating storage-grade quality, reducing field-to-factory variability, strengthening farmer partnerships, and ensuring predictable, high-performance supply for India’s processing and food service industries.

Soundararadjane S. will be presenting on “The India Potato Story”

Dr. Aska Goverse

Dr. Goverse is Associate Professor 𝘪𝘶𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪 at the Laboratory of Nematology in the Plant Science Group of Wageningen University & Research (WUR), the Netherlands. Dr. Goverse is coordinator of the research and innovation project NEM-EMERGE, which was granted in 2023 in the framework of Horizon Europe by the European Commission. NEM-EMERGE aims to provide a spectrum of sustainable, science-based solutions to counter the emergence and proliferation of invasive and virulent nematodes in Europe and beyond.

To ensure the adoption and implementation of NEM-EMERGE tools in the sector, a multi-actor approach is used based on stakeholder engagement and demands. In addition, Dr. Goverse is contributing to education by teaching and supervising BSc and MSc students in the Plant Science and Plant Biotechnology program at WUR. Moreover, she is leading her research group on molecular mechanisms underlying plant susceptibility and resistance to nematodes.

Dr. Goverse will be presenting on “NEM-EMERGE- Research & Innovation Strategies and Pathways”

 

View All Invited Speakers

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Unique Kenyan Flavours

 

For more than 30 years, World Potato Congress delegates have experienced the unique varieties, flavours, and traditions of each host country. This October, Kenya is proud to welcome the global potato community with a celebration of local cuisine that showcases just how deeply the potato is woven into Kenyan life.

In Central Kenya, a well loved potato dish is “Waru”—a name that reflects their cultural significance far beyond the plate. From traditional ceremonies to family celebrations, Waru is a cherished staple and a symbol of togetherness.

Delegates will also have the chance to experience Mukimo, Kenya’s beloved “super-mash.” This vibrant green dish combines potatoes with maize, beans, and pumpkin leaves to create a comforting, nutritious classic that has earned its place at the heart of Kenyan cuisine.

And no culinary adventure would be complete without a taste of the coast. Viazi Karai, a famous Mombasa street food, offers boiled potatoes coated in a golden turmeric and chilli batter, deep-fried until crisp, and served with a tangy tamarind based Ukwaju sauce. Whether you prefer mild or spicy, this iconic snack delivers the bold flavours of Kenya’s coastal heritage.

From gala dinners to networking events, WPC 2026 Kenya promises delegates an extraordinary opportunity to explore the diverse tastes, traditions, and hospitality of Kenya—one potato dish at a time.

 

WPC 2026 Kenya Registration

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Application Process for Sponsorship/Bursary Support Now Open for WPC 2026 Kenya

 

Under the umbrella of the Declaration of Dublin, and thanks to the generosity of the Diamond and Platinum Sustaining Partners of WPC Inc., over 20 delegates will have the opportunity to receive financial support to attend the World Potato Congress hosted this year by Kenya this October, 2026.

Each year, a portion of the WPC Inc. Diamond and Platinum Sustaining Partner Membership fees are earmarked to support this initiative. Of the over 20 successful applicants, 10 will be supported as a result of the generous donations by our Diamond Partner Trical Group and Platinum Partners including:

• McCain Foods
• J.R. Simplot
• IPM Potato Group
• SnowValley
• Syngenta
• Idaho Potato Commission
• WD Potato Ltd.
• Prince Edward Island Potatoes
• Government of Prince Edward Island
• Pepsi Co.
• SunRise Potato Storage Ltd.
• AUSVEG
• Potatoes USA

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to have their Congress registration fee covered, full accommodation in Naivasha, as well as up to CDN$500 for local travel for regional reps and CDN$1000 for other areas towards the cost of round-trip flights (where applicable). (Conditions apply). Learn more at the World Potato Congress website and read about past participants success stories.

 

Travel Bursary Support

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Call for Abstracts

Deadline: 20th May

Submit Abstract Here

 

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Registration Open

Early Deadline: 1st July

Register Here

 

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Showcase. Connect. Grow.

 

Connect with a global audience of 1000+ international delegates, including ploicymakers, researchers, agribusiness leaders and investors, alongside 1,500+ local farmers at WPC2026. Secure Your Place Today!

Email: partners@wpc2026kenya.com

 

 

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities – Contact Us

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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.

 

WPC 2026 Official Website

 

This year’s Congress has so much to offer attending delegates and accompanying guests. As this year’s host, Kenya looks forward to seeing you at the 13th World Potato Congress!