Kenya, Netherlands in deal to boost potato yield

Kenya is set to launch new varieties of potatoes that will boost quality and yield.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett told reporters on Monday that the 21 new varieties are part of a cooperation deal between Kenya and the Netherlands in agriculture.

The varieties are currently being tested at the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS).

Kenya has two varieties of potatoes but fast-food makers prefer to import potatoes from Egypt to make chips (or French fries).

The new varieties were developed on Dutch soils but will be tested by KEPHIS to determine their viability in Kenya.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett:

"We want it to be disease-free, and to determine that, we must subject it to various tests."

On Monday, the minister met with Dutch minister for agriculture Martijn van Dam and details of the arrangement were discussed.

Willy Bett:

"The kind of MoU we are building is in the area of value addition. They have been supporting us in capacity building but we are now building a new MoU to actualise in monetary terms."

Martijn van Dam said the project is meant to expand existing agricultural investments by the Dutch, especially in flower farming.

Martijn van Dam, Dutch Minister for Agriculture:

"Our cooperation has brought both countries a lot of business and now there is a possibility of growing potatoes in Kenya."