• Nakuru County Deputy Governor David Kones reaffirmed the commitment to supporting farmers, particularly through improving the efficiency of last-mile fertilizer distribution.

The government is set to rigorously enforce the 2019 Potato Regulations, which mandate that farmers and dealers package potatoes in bags of no more than 50kg and sell them by the kilogram.

This announcement was made by Dr. Paul Ronoh, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, during the International Day of Potato 2025 celebrations held in Nyota Ward, Kuresoi North Sub-County, in Nakuru.

“Farmers can reclaim up to 50 percent of the loss they undergo due to inefficient packaging practices if the regulations are adhered to,” said Dr. Ronoh.

The PS, who was accompanied by Nakuru County Deputy Governor David Kones, issued a stern warning to anyone found contravening the regulations would face arrest. He highlighted the plight of farmers who have suffered at the hands of unscrupulous dealers, underscoring the government's commitment to protecting their interests.

He also promised the farmers that the National Government will construct a cold storage facility in Kuresoi North Sub-County to reduce post-harvest losses that farmers encounter.

Nakuru County Deputy Governor David Kones reaffirmed the commitment to supporting farmers, particularly through improving the efficiency of last-mile fertilizer distribution.

He also joined County Executive for Agriculture Leonard Bor in requesting the PS for the establishment of a National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Depot in the Sub-County.

“The County Government will support the farmers to ensure the efficiency of agriculture in this region. Generating a depot in this sub-county, the agricultural productivity will be guaranteed,” said Kones.

Also present were AFA Director General Dr. Bruno Linyiru, representatives from various agriculture institutions, and farmers.

The 2019 potato regulations in Kenya focused on improving the potato value chain by establishing standards for production, marketing, and trading. Key aspects included registration of actors like growers, dealers, and collection centers, as well as quality assurance and marketing standards.

Potato regulations 2019 booklet. (Photo: James Munyua)

The regulations required that potatoes be packaged in bags weighing a maximum of 50kg, according to an article by AGRA. This addressed the issue of farmers being exploited by traders using large, non-standard bags.

Some of the rules mandated that potato buying and selling for commercial purposes occur at registered collection centers and designated markets. These centers, managed by committees, were to provide a platform for grading, sorting, weighing, storing, and packaging potatoes, among other regulations.