GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 4965

IT IS notified for the general information of the public that, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Co- operatives has appointed a taskforce to be known as the National Potato Taskforce. The National Potato Taskforce shall comprise of the following members— 1. Wachira Kaguongo — Chairman of the Taskforce 2. Representatives from farmer associations (a) Daniel Miriti – Chairman Nakuru Potato Co-operative Union (b) Christopher Marete – Chairman Meru Potato Co- operative Union 3. Thomas Nyongesa (Dr.) – Center Director KALRO (Tigoni) 4. Dinah Borus (Dr.)– International Potato Centre (CIP) 5. Naomi Kamau – State Department for Crops Development and Research (MOALF&C) 6. Theophilus M. Mutui (Prof.) – Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) 7. John Kobia Ataya (Dr.) – Independent Member 8. Anita Mbae (Ms.) – Independent Member 9. Janet Mwangi (Ms.) – Independent Member 10. James Karitu (Dr.) – CECM, Nyandarua 11. Samuel Ogola – Chief Executive Officer, Warehouse Receipt System 12. Josephine Mbeo – Director, Communications (MOALF&C) 13. Terry Gathagu (Ms.) – Legal Expert 14. Leonard Kubok – Secretary of the Taskforce 15. Milton Munialo – Assistant Secretary 16. Nicholas Kunga Ngece – Assistant Secretary 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 The potato is the third most important food crop in the world after rice and wheat in terms of human consumption with more than one Billion people eating potatoes worldwide. The Global total crop production exceeds 300 million metric tons annually. China is the biggest producer of potatoes worldwide, with about one third of the World’s Production coming from China and India. Globally, Potato has proved to be a stable crop driving both food security and GDP growth. Countries like Egypt, South Africa and India use it both locally and for export. In Kenya, potato has the potential to drive critical National outcomes. 1.2 Due to its high nutritive value, potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the second most important staple crop grown in Kenya after maize., Its good processing qualities for starch, flour, bread, soap, alcohol, weaning foods and animal feeds also make it an important cash crop. The crop is currently grown by over 800,000 households, 98% of whom are small holders, mostly women and supports over 2.5 million people employed in the value chain. The crop is grown on 25,000Ha to 30,000 Ha annually producing about 3 million MT valued at 40-50 billion shillings. The yield achieved by the small scale farmer is approximately 6 to 7 MT/Ha against a potential of 20-40 MT/Ha. Potato is majorly produced in 16 (Sixteen) counties, the leading being Nyandarua followed by Elgeyo Marakwet. The reasons for the low yields are largely attributed to, among many factors, poor agronomic practices, low application of inputs especially fertilizers, low soil fertility, limited access to good quality seeds and unstructured market. 1.3 The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Co- operatives 2019-2029 Agriculture Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS) prioritizes potato as one of the key crops for development to realize the country’s aspiration on Food 6th May, 2022 THE KENYA GAZETTE and Nutrition Security embodied by the Big 4 Agenda, Kenya Vision 2030 and the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). 1.4 Despite its high demand in the domestic market, farmers get poor returns attributed to high cost of production and uncoordinated marketing activities. There is slow development of Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (MSME) within the potato value chain and low implementation of the potato regulations especially at the County Governments. Despite these challenges, there is a great potential for transformation and growth of the Kenya Potato Industry. 1.5 The Government has invested in several activities in the promotion and development of the potatoes. Such include research in production of High quality seeds, establishment of cold storage facilities in collaboration with County Governments. This is aimed at increasing the shelf life of tubers during peak production and eventually stabilize market prices. Additionally, in order to protect the farmers and the sector from cheap imports, the EAC Partner States agreed to levy a duty rate of 30 percent to vegetable products including potatoes, peas, and tomatoes for a period of one year, awaiting the finalization of the review of the EAC Common External Tariff. 1.6 The Crops (Irish Potato) Regulations, 2019 were developed to provide an enabling environment for the development of the potato value chain. The potato regulations are further aimed at supporting the development of the potato value chain through generation of accurate market information to guide planning and investment, providing farmers with focused production advisory services to meet market standards for produce that is safe and can trade locally, regionally and internationally. They also promote use of best practices in production in order to avail foods that are free of pesticide residues and other contaminants which will ultimately minimize the cost of health care. The regulations also ensure a level playing field for value chain players and dealers in the various segments scheduled crops value chains. 1.7 Further to the concerted efforts in the promotion and development of the value chain, it has been found necessary to establish and operationalize a National Potato Taskforce to fast- track progress in this value chain, and safeguard farmers’ livelihoods amidst a complex trade environment. 1.8 The Taskforce shall be answerable to the Cabinet Secretary with the following terms of reference: 2.0 SPECIFIC TERMS OF REFERENCE (a) Undertake an objective task risk assessment on the development and promotion of the potato value chain, develop appropriate mitigation plans and advise the Cabinet Secretary accordingly. (b) Examine the adequacy of the existing legal and regulatory framework in supporting the development of potato value chain for improved livelihoods in the country; and advise the Cabinet secretary accordingly. (c) Develop a road map for effective implementation of the Potato regulations including organized potato marketing, export options; and advise the Cabinet secretary accordingly. (d) Develop modalities on the promotion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) within the potato value chain. (e) Building on the steps already undertaken, establish coordination mechanism of potato growing counties for improved performance of the potato value chain. (f) Develop log frame matrix for development and promotion of potato with specific, time bound, realistic and objectively verifiable activity schedules, budgets and indicators. (g) In view of increased public interest and scrutiny, develop a Public Information framework and Communication Strategy to keep stakeholders abreast of developments in the sector and address misinformation on national potato regulations, trade and standards. (h) Submit monthly briefings to the Cabinet Secretary on the milestones covered in the implementation of the potato regulations, the tasks ahead, anticipated challenges and policy matters that require his attention. (i) Liaise the enforcement of potato regulations with both National and County Governments; and (j) Undertake any other task assigned by the Cabinet Secretary. 3.0 Tenure of the Taskforce The Tenure of the taskforce shall be for a term of five (5) months from the date of its gazettement. 4.0 Logistical and Budgetary Support Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) will provide the necessary working space and all other necessary logistical and budgetary support to facilitate the work of the taskforce. 5.0 Location The location of the Taskforce shall be at the Agriculture and Food Authority, Food Crops Directorate. Dated the 28th April, 2022. PETER G. MUNYA, Cabinet Secretary, Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Co-operatives.