This archive report was first published on 16 July 2020.
On July 16, 2020, Kevian Limited, the maker of Afia and Pick N Peel juices, announced its entry into potato farming through a partnership with Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro).
The partnership, which is a 15-year contract, will see Kevian commercialise five high-yielding potato seed varieties to boost production of the right variety required by multinational franchises.
According to Kalro director-general Eliud Kireger, the partnership will benefit 50,000 farmers in potato growing regions and help meet the current demand of high-quality potato crop in the country.
"The poor quality of potatoes that we have in the country results from planting and recycling of low quality seed by farmers," Dr Kireger said.
Under the partnership, Kevian will pay Kalro royalties at a rate of 2.5 percent of their total annual sales from the potatoes.
Kevian will distribute the improved potato seeds to farmers and later purchase the harvest for processing.
"We will offer the best price possible in the market, but farmers would be free to sell their produce elsewhere if they want," said Kimani Rugendo, the chairman of Kevian.
