By Musa Kurian
Egerton University has showcased innovative potato seed production technologies at the World Potato Congress, highlighting how university research is creating agribusiness opportunities for young people while addressing challenges facing Kenya’s potato farmers.
The international gathering, bringing together agricultural leaders, researchers and innovators from 62 countries, provided a platform for the University to demonstrate practical solutions developed through the Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Advance Agro-Entrepreneurship (TAGDev 2.0) programme.
Vibrant young potato plantlets growing in propagation trays, representing tissue-culture-derived seed technology for rapid, pathogen-free multiplication
The Congress, bringing together agricultural leaders, researchers and innovators from 62 countries, provided a platform for the University to showcase innovations under the Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Advance Agro-Entrepreneurship (TAGDev 2.0) programme.
Led at Egerton University by Prof. Nancy Mungai, TAGDev 2.0 supports agricultural innovation, youth entrepreneurship and community transformation.
Prof. Anthony Kibe, who leads the potato innovations, showcased three technologies: aeroponics, apical rooted cuttings (ARC) and true potato seed (TPS).
These technologies seek to improve access to quality planting materials, reduce disease risks and enhance productivity while creating commercial opportunities for young agripreneurs.
Participants engaged in an interactive breakout session and strategy discussion on sustainable potato research, crop diversification, and market linkages.
Running from December 2023 to December 2033, TAGDev 2.0 is implemented through a partnership involving RUFORUM, the Mastercard Foundation, GCHERA and 12 African institutions.
Building on its first phase launched in 2016, the programme targets 1.2 million people, particularly women, refugees and marginalised communities, through climate-resilient agriculture, entrepreneurship and institutional transformation.
International delegates, researchers, and partners gathered for a group photo following a collaborative session at the World Potato Congress.
Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe commended Egerton University for its contribution to agricultural transformation, underscoring the importance of translating research into practical solutions for farmers. Through TAGDev 2.0, Egerton continues to connect scientific innovation with youth entrepreneurship, strengthening agricultural value chains and rural livelihoods.
On October 29, 2026, visitors and prospective partners are invited to the FreshCrop Field Site to interact with TAGDev 2.0 youth agripreneurs, experience the potato innovations firsthand and explore commercialisation partnerships.
