Kisii banana processing factory to be ready by July next year

The Kisii County Government has finally started the process of constructing a banana processing factory, a project that aims at improving value addition.

The factory, which will be put up on 10 acres within the Kisii Agricultural Training Centre, will be constructed using a Ksh 110 million grant provided by the European Union in 2017.

The factory was initially expected to be launched in September 2017 but would now be operational by July next year. In an advert placed in a section of the press, the county government asked eligible bidders from both Kisii county and the national level to submit  their tender documents by 21st January 2019 at 10.00 am. A site visit will be conducted on 9th January 2019 at 10.00 am to 2.00 pm.

“The Kisii Banana Processing Factory is now a reality. Tender seeking for a contractor of the factory at the ATC have been floated. The multi-million project once operational in July next year, will alleviate problems afflicting banana farmers in the county,” tweeted Governor James Ongwae.

The factory will be constructed under the EU-supported Strengthening Kisii County Banana Value-Chain for Local Economic Development programme.

Once operation, the plant will provide a major boost for banana farmers in the county and the surrounding areas, boost agricultural production and create employment opportunities.The plant, which comes at a time when banana production has increased in the region, will also enable farmers to bargain for better prices.

The county government is seeking to improve the quality of bananas produced, revive banana co-operative societies and boost value addition.

Presently many farmers in the region sell surplus banana produce to brokers at throwaway prices only for it to fetch handsome prices when sold in areas such as Nakuru, Nairobi and Mombasa.

However, value addition has already proved that the prices can be greatly enhanced through value addition.

For instance, Nyangorora Banana Processing Group, a youth outfit that operates from the training centre, produces banana wine, crisps, flour, juice, jam and pastries such as bread, cakes and buns.

The crisps and pastries are distributed in local supermarkets in Kisii, Nairobi and Mombasa but are also available at gas stations, schools and hospitals.

According to a study conducted by the University of Nairobi, it is possible to produce an acceptable banana wine with huge potential for commercialisation in East Africa.

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It concluded that the adoption and commercialisation of banana wine production would curb the excess losses in the banana fields and markets which often are an environment sore and also become an additional income generating means for the population.