Nyandarua governor Francis Kimemia has invited fast food conglomerate KFC to buy potatoes from local  farmers instead of importing the same.

KFC local outlets’ management caused uproar after it claimed the fast food firm was facing potato shortage due to delay in arrival of its shipped consignment of potatoes. 

“A statement by Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) on the shortage of potatoes for its local outlets gives us an opportunity to reflect on the plight of farmers in our nation”, the Governor said in a statement.

 He termed as unfortunate claims by the franchise of the American fast food chain that it is unable to satisfy the local demand for chips due to a delay in the shipment of potatoes.

 “This is very unfortunate as potato farmers across the country, more so, in Nyandarua are grappling with marketing challenges for their produce,” Kimemia said.

Kimemia said his administration was ready to engage with stakeholders including KFC on the best possible strategy to assist the farmers. 

“We are ready to facilitate a direct engagement with farmers who can be contracted to give quality potatoes (to KFC).

Such an arrangement will be a win-win situation for both parties (farmers and KFC),” he said in a statement.

On claims that local potatoes did not meet international standards sought by KFC, the Governor said 10 new exotic varieties of potatoes had been introduced in the county.