Gov't Embarks On Enforcement Of Potato Packing Regulation
The 2019 potato regulations were geared towards cushioning farmers from exploitation by unscrupulous traders and cartels by limiting the packaging to 50Kg per bag.
State Department for Crops Development Principal Secretary Kello Harsama admits they have been laxity in implementation of the regulation since his exit from the Agriculture and Food Authority where he once served as a Director General.
"Potatoes must be packed in a 50KG bag and that’s the law. I want to assure that the enforcement will be done very soon. We have a new Director General at AFA to streamline efficiency and ensure regulation guiding various crops are enforced," said Harsama.
The PS says the enforcement exercise will undertake in collaboration with county government.
"We are going to work with potatoes growing counties to ensure the regulation are followed. We are going to even visit markets in Nairobi and other towns to ensure business people who are potatoes follow the law by selling right package 50kg bags," added the PS.
Traders who flout the regulations risk a fine of Ksh.5 million or a jail term of three years, while anyone found transporting potatoes in more than 50kg bags risks a Ksh.500,000 fine or a three-month jail term
The ministry has also confirmed that Kenya has won a bid to host the 13th World Potato Congress scheduled for July 2026 after beating strong competition from Israel to become the first host country from Sub-Saharan Africa.
The prestigious biennial event will bring together 1,000 potato industry players and partners from around the globe.
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