Potato farmers in Nakuru County are set to reap more benefits from their produce following the passing of a new law that will govern the potato market from July. County agriculture executive Stanley Chepkwony said the law will see farmers sell potatoes in 50kg bags from next month to maximise profits. “By July 1, no one should sell potatoes in bags of more than 50kg,” said Chepkwony. “We have already discussed the matter and made our stand clear on the implementation of that law,” he added. He continued, “In the past, the Kenyan law required that the produce be sold in 110kg bags. However, middlemen have exploited the non-regulation of that law, making counties lose billions.” Speaking on the sidelines of a two-day intergovernmental consultative forum on agriculture, livestock and fisheries in Mombasa, the agriculture executive said sensitisation within Nakuru is already underway. “We have started educating farmers on the new changes. On June 30, we will have an official launch, which will be presided over by Governor Kinuthia Mbugua. Those breaking the law will face harsh fines. Also, each county will have branded bags indicating the origin of potatoes,” he added. Chepkwony said the county government, in partnership with other potato rich counties, will ensure farmers utilise the portable 50kg bags. The minister revealed that there is an inter-county agreement on the implementation of the law. “We have agreed amongst all potato producing counties, and also included the national government, that no market should receive potatoes beyond the regulated 50kg. We want this to be implemented equally in all counties,” added Chepkwony. He cited the international law, saying that no one is allowed to carry goods weighing more than their own weight. Already, 12 potato-growing counties agreed to sell their produce in 50kg bags from June. They also agreed on a common bill to be passed by their respective assemblies by the end of the month.

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