In a significant move highlighting the Government’s commitment to boosting the agricultural sector, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-In-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto , CGH officially commissioned CDA’s Integrated Fruit Processing Plant, Hola, in Tana River County on November 4th 2023.
During his visit, President Ruto highlighted the positive impact of the processing plant. He said that the plant has created over 200 direct job opportunities and provided training to over 1,000 farmers on effective agricultural practices.
The President emphasized that value addition would result in increased income for farmers. He also stated that promoting value addition and enhancing production capacity would contribute to greater participation in global markets, boost exports and generate foreign exchange earnings.
The President pledged the government’s commitment to provide the necessary support, including access to modern farming technologies, and market linkages, to empower farmers and agribusinesses in Tana River County. He emphasized that the goal was to transform Kenya into a global agricultural powerhouse, with Tana River County playing a vital role in achieving this vision.
Furthermore, President Ruto announced plans to establish a cold, storage for the facility which will preserve the quality and freshness of fruits throughout the processing and storage stages. This ensures that the fruits retain their nutritional value, flavor, and appearance for an extended period. Additionally, the facility will enable the fruit processing plant store a larger quantity of fruits, allowing for better inventory management and the ability to meet market demands consistently.
Accompanied by a delegation of Senior Government officials and local leaders including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Cabinet Secretaries Hon. Penina Malonza, Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen (Transport) Hon. Aisha Jumwa (Gender) Hon. Ezekiel Machogu (Education), MPs and MCAs among others.
Local farmers and entrepreneurs expressed their gratitude for the President’s visit and the Government’s commitment to the agricultural sector. They expressed optimism that the support pledged would address key challenges faced by the industry, such as limited access to finance, market constraints, and inadequate infrastructure.
The visit by President William Ruto to the mango fruit processing plant serves as a catalyst for increased investment and development in Tana River County’s agricultural sector. It underscores the Government’s recognition of the significant role played by the county and its potential to contribute to Kenya’s.
