Irish potato is Kenya’s second most important food crop after maize. The National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK) estimates about 1.5 million tonnes are produced on roughly 161,000 hectares a year.
Choose the right variety
NPCK says 56 varieties are registered nationally. Popular ones include Shangi (early maturing, 90–120 days, short dormancy of about 20 days), Dutch Robjin, Markies, Kenya Mpya, Sherekea and Unica. Shangi grows best at 1,500–2,800 m above sea level and is moderately susceptible to late blight.
Use certified seed
Low use of quality seed is the main reason yields stay low, according to NPCK. Buy certified seed from KEPHIS-registered seed merchants and avoid replanting ware potatoes season after season.
Spacing and seed rate
At 75 cm between ridges and 30 cm between tubers you need about 18,000 seed tubers per acre (44,444 per hectare). Each seed tuber should have at least three sprouts.
Fertiliser
APNI notes fewer than 20% of Kenyan potato fields regularly receive potassium-containing fertiliser. Do a soil test and apply balanced NPK with potassium.
Yields to expect
NPCK puts the national average at about 10 t/ha against a potential of 40 t/ha with recommended practices. APNI reports smallholder averages of about 7 t/ha. Sources differ, so treat any per-acre figure as a range rather than a promise.
Storage and marketing
NPCK flags poor storage as a major cause of losses. Store in a dark, cool, ventilated store and sell in the bag sizes your county allows.
Frequently asked questions
Which potato variety is best in Kenya?
Shangi is the most widely grown for its early maturity, but choose by altitude, market (chips, crisps, table) and blight tolerance.
How many seed potatoes per acre?
About 18,000 tubers at 75 cm x 30 cm spacing, per NPCK.
What yield can I expect?
National averages are about 7–10 t/ha; well-managed fields can reach about 40 t/ha, per NPCK and APNI.
Related: Agriculture
Sources: National Potato Council of Kenya, APNI, Agcenture. Last updated October 2026.
