Kisii County is making significant strides in transforming its banana value chain through investments in climate-smart infrastructure designed to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and improve community livelihoods.
The construction of 10 modern banana value addition centres is currently underway across the County, with implementation works approximately 70% complete. The project is being implemented by the Directorate of Climate Change under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme, with the aim of strengthening climate resilience while creating opportunities for farmers and communities to increase the value of their agricultural produce.
Strategic Investment Across the County
The 10 centres are strategically distributed across Kisii County, with facilities located in different wards and at the Kisii Agricultural Training Centre (ATC). This approach is intended to bring value addition infrastructure closer to farming communities, enabling them to benefit from improved processing facilities and emerging market opportunities.
The centres under construction are:
- Nyakoora VTC – Kegogi Ward
- Nyaore VTC – Bogeka Ward
- Isamwera VTC – Bassi Chache
- Nyamagesa VTC – Kiamokama Ward
- Bosansa VTC – Bassi Central Ward
- Kenyenya VTC – Bokimonge Ward
- Nyamiobo VTC – Majoge Bassi
- Gotichaki VTC – Bogetenga Ward
- Ngeri VTC – Riana Ward
- Kisii Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) – Bobaracho
Integrating Water, Solar Energy and Modern Equipment
Beyond the construction of modern bakery facilities, the project incorporates the development of water infrastructure, solar power installation and the supply of equipment to all 10 centres. These complementary investments are designed to ensure that the facilities are functional, sustainable and capable of supporting efficient value addition activities.
The water component will provide essential supplies for bakery operations, including cleaning, processing and other daily activities. Water sources are being developed at the respective centres to support reliable water access and improve the long-term sustainability of their operations.
The installation of solar power systems will provide clean, renewable energy to support the centres’ operations while reducing dependence on conventional electricity sources. This investment reflects the County’s commitment to promoting climate-smart infrastructure and integrating renewable energy into local economic development.
Combined with modern equipment and improved buildings, these interventions are intended to establish well-equipped facilities that can support reliable production while responding to the challenges posed by climate change.
Creating Economic Opportunities for Farmers and Communities
Once completed and fully equipped, the centres are expected to provide farmers with improved opportunities to process bananas into value-added products, including banana bread and other bakery products. This will help expand the range of marketable products derived from locally grown bananas and create opportunities for increased earnings.
By supporting local processing, the project is also expected to help reduce post-harvest losses, improve the utilisation of agricultural produce, stimulate small-scale enterprises and create employment opportunities, particularly for young people and community groups.
The integration of water infrastructure and solar energy will further support the sustainability of these enterprises by addressing essential operational needs and promoting more resource-efficient production.
Building a Climate-Resilient Agricultural Economy
At approximately 70% completion, the project represents an important investment in strengthening Kisii County’s agricultural value chains. By combining modern processing infrastructure with renewable energy and water development, the County is laying the foundation for a more resilient, productive and sustainable banana sector.
Through the FLLoCA Programme, the Directorate of Climate Change continues to support locally led climate action by investing in infrastructure that links climate resilience with economic empowerment and improved livelihoods.
