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World Potato Congress 2026 – Kenya – International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day
Celebrating IWD 2026
As we celebrate International Women’s Day on the 8th of March, the 13th World Potato Congress is proud to highlight leading women scientists and the vital role they play in shaping the future of the global potato industry.
Dr Dinah Jeruto Borus, is a Senior Agricultural Scientist based in Nairobi, Kenya. Currently, she works as a Scientist Consultant at National Potato Council of Kenya. Dinah serves as World Potato Congress International Advisor – Africa, having been appointed in June 2025, in recognition of her contribution to the potato industry in Kenya, Rwanda and other African countries. She is the Program Chair for the 13th WPC 2026, Kenya.
Commonly known by potato farmers in Kenya as Mama Viazi, Dinah is passionate about driving impact in international development through sustainable agriculture, agribusiness, postharvest solutions, and climate-resilient food systems. Experienced in value chain development, rural transformation, private sector partnerships, and promoting gender equity and social inclusion
“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.”
WPC 2026 Kenya is committed to making the congress an inclusive environment where its contributors and followers have equal opportunity to thrive in our field.
Speaker Announcement!
Dr. Monica Parker
Dr. Monica Parker has a career spanning 20 years in agriculture and food systems development, with 13 years in the potato sector as a Senior Scientist with the International Potato Center (CIP) and as a consultant for various potato initiatives. She has led interventions and collaborated with diverse profiles of public and private partners at a global scale to support potato sector development throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, Northern Africa, Middle East and Asia.
We are excited that she will be joining us in Naivasha for WPC 2026 Kenya planned for 26th – 30th October 2026!
She will be presenting on “Rooted Apical Cuttings: Adoption, Use Cases and International Experiences”
Women Play a Central Role in
Kenyan Potato Production
Making up 60-80% of the agricultural workforce, farming is a traditional way of life for women in Kenya
“Fostering potato partnerships and improving food security on an international level is the cornerstone of the “Declaration of Dublin” presented at the 11th World Potato Congress in Ireland, in 2022.
The “Call to Action” inherent in the Declaration of Dublin includes sharing the success stories and experiences of countries and continents where potatoes play an important role as a vital crop for food and income security, such as in South America, Africa, and Asia.”
Read more in the article, written and supported in the January 2026 issue of one of the WPC Inc. media partner’s, Badger Common’Tater, by Joe Kertzman. This story highlights the experiences of Florence Malemba, an agricultural officer in Nakuru County, Kenya. The full article can be found here in pages 60-63
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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