The Technologies for African Agriculture Transformation (TAAT) is collaborating with the Government of Kenya (GoK) to develop seed roadmaps for the country’s priority crops, including maize, wheat, rice, high-iron beans, soybean, sweetpotato, and potato. Under the project “Transforming Ecosystems for Jobs in Agriculture through Technology and Innovation (TEJATI), the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in Kenya aims to create sustainable jobs in agriculture by leveraging technology and innovation. The project prioritizes empowering youth, women, and persons with disabilities in the agricultural sector.
A key pillar of the TEJATI project is the development of vibrant seed systems to ensure a consistent supply of quality seeds, which is essential for increasing productivity and improving livelihoods.
The TAAT Orange-fleshed Sweetpotato (OFSP) Compact has taken lead in developing the seed roadmap for potato and sweetpotato. In December 2024, the compact convened technical experts from MoALD, the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) to contribute to the initial draft of the seed roadmap. These experts joined representatives from other priority crop sectors in a workshop held at Eka Hotel, Eldoret. The discussions centered on seed demand estimation, bottlenecks in the seed sector, and potential solutions to strengthen seed systems. During the meeting attended by top level officials from MOALD, the TEJATI program coordinator emphasized the urgency of having the roadmaps in place, to overcome the bottlenecks in the seed sector for improved yields, improved nutrition, income and job creation.
Building on the progress from the Eldoret meeting, a two-day Sweetpotato and Potato Seed Roadmap writeshop was held on February 11th – 12th, 2025, at Pride Inn Azure Hotel, Nairobi. The participation in the writeshop was expanded to include representatives from the private sector and support organizations such as National Potato Council of Kenya.
Stakeholders developed preliminary drafts of both roadmaps, setting the stage for final approvals and implementation. Commitments were made to see the roadmap through to completion, paving the way for a well-structured and sustainable seed sector. The Sweetpotato and Potato Seed Roadmaps mark a transformative step in Kenya’s agricultural sector – one that promises enhanced food security, increased farmer productivity, and job creation. Stay tuned as this vision becomes a reality.