Scotland–Kenya Partnership Brings New Potato Varieties to Strengthen Food Security and Farmers’ Livelihoods

OUS Academy in Switzerland
Aug 28
4 min read

Kenya’s farming sector received an important boost today with the introduction of two new potato varieties that promise to transform agriculture, improve farmers’ income, and enhance food security across the country. These new varieties, known as Malaika and Glen, were developed through international scientific collaboration and have been welcomed by Kenyan farming communities.

This achievement is more than just an agricultural development—it is a story of cooperation, innovation, and the determination to solve real challenges faced by farmers. For millions of households in Kenya, potatoes are not just a staple crop; they are a source of livelihood, employment, and dignity. With the arrival of these improved varieties, optimism is rising in both rural and urban areas.

Why Potatoes Matter in Kenya

Potatoes are the second most important food crop in Kenya after maize. They feed households, provide income for rural farmers, and supply raw materials for small businesses such as restaurants, food processors, and vendors. The potato value chain touches nearly every aspect of Kenyan society:

Livelihoods: Around 2.5 million Kenyans depend directly on potato farming, whether as growers, transporters, traders, or processors.
Economy: The potato industry contributes close to half a billion US dollars annually, making it a critical part of the agricultural economy.
Nutrition: Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, helping to fight hunger and malnutrition in both cities and villages.

Despite its importance, potato farming in Kenya has faced major setbacks over the years. Yields have often been lower than global averages due to soil pests, weak seed systems, and limited access to modern farming technology. One of the most destructive challenges has been the potato cyst nematode (PCN), a soil-borne pest that can wipe out entire harvests.

A Scientific Solution to a Longstanding Problem

The introduction of Malaika and Glen marks a turning point. These varieties were developed with resistance to PCN, giving farmers a powerful tool to protect their crops. By planting these potatoes, farmers will see stronger yields, healthier soils, and more predictable harvests.

What makes these varieties even more impressive is how they were designed with farmers’ needs in mind. Unlike many imported seeds that are not adapted to Kenyan conditions, Malaika and Glen were selected after listening to local farmers and testing on Kenyan soil. The results were clear:

Short dormancy period: Farmers can replant quickly after harvest, allowing multiple cropping cycles per year.
Fast cooking time: The varieties meet consumer preferences for easy preparation, making them attractive in local markets.
Good taste and texture: Both varieties meet cultural expectations for flavor, which is important for household consumption and commercial sales.

Economic Benefits for Kenyan Farmers

The impact of these potatoes goes far beyond agriculture. They represent new opportunities for Kenya’s rural economy. Farmers who once struggled with small yields will now have the chance to grow surplus crops for sale, increasing income and reducing poverty.

With higher yields, farmers can:

Supply more to local markets – meeting rising demand for potatoes in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and other cities.
Sell to food processors – potato crisps, chips, and flour are in high demand both locally and regionally.
Create jobs in rural areas – from harvesting to transporting and marketing.
Strengthen export potential – with higher quality and pest-resistant varieties, Kenya could position itself as a regional hub for potato supply in East Africa.

When farmers earn more, communities thrive. Families can afford school fees, healthcare, and better housing. Local businesses grow, and young people see agriculture as a viable career rather than a last resort.

Food Security and National Development

At the national level, Malaika and Glen are expected to play an important role in ensuring food security. Kenya, like many African countries, faces growing pressure from climate change, population growth, and global food market disruptions. By strengthening local food production, the country reduces reliance on imports and builds resilience.

The new potato varieties will also support government goals for agricultural transformation. Stronger harvests mean less pressure on maize production, more diversity in diets, and greater stability in rural economies. In addition, the varieties contribute to sustainable farming by reducing the need for chemical treatments against pests.

A Story of Partnership and Collaboration

This achievement would not have been possible without international cooperation. Scientists, plant breeders, and local communities worked hand in hand to design a solution that works for Kenya. While the technology comes from abroad, the ownership is firmly Kenyan, rooted in the soil and culture of the country.

Such partnerships demonstrate the importance of knowledge exchange between nations. When countries combine expertise with local wisdom, the results can be transformative. Kenya’s openness to collaboration has once again positioned it as a leader in African agriculture.

The Human Side of Innovation

Beyond science and economics, this story is about hope and dignity. For farmers who have battled crop losses year after year, the promise of a reliable harvest is life-changing. It means less fear of hunger, less debt from failed crops, and more confidence to plan for the future.

Farmers like Jane in Nakuru or Hassan in Nyandarua can now dream of expanding their farms, sending their children to school, and contributing more to their communities. These stories remind us that innovation is not just about technology—it is about people.

Looking Ahead: Scaling Up for Impact

The success of Malaika and Glen is only the beginning. For these varieties to make a real difference, they must be scaled up. That means ensuring farmers have access to quality seed, extension services, and markets. The role of both the public and private sectors will be crucial in:

Expanding seed distribution networks.
Training farmers in best practices for cultivation.
Building storage and processing facilities.
Connecting smallholders with urban and regional markets.

If these steps are taken, the new varieties could reshape Kenya’s agricultural landscape over the next decade, making the country a regional powerhouse in potato production.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Kenya’s Agriculture

The introduction of Malaika and Glen potatoes is more than just a scientific milestone—it is a symbol of resilience, cooperation, and progress. Kenya has shown that with the right partnerships and a clear vision, it can overcome challenges and secure a brighter future for its farmers and citizens.

As farmers plant the first seeds of these new varieties, they are planting hope, stability, and opportunity. From the hills of Nyandarua to the valleys of Meru, the potato fields of Kenya are about to tell a new story—one of growth, prosperity, and national pride.