New Maize Milling Plant Boosts Food Security in Kakamega County

Strategic Insights -

A newly commissioned maize milling plant in Lugari subcounty, Kakamega county, has opened up new opportunities for 1,800 maize farmers, with the potential to expand to 5,000 farmers, providing a reliable market for their produce. The plant, a partnership between the Kakamega County Investment and Development Agency and Fuka Foods Limited, will produce maize mill, animal feeds, and edible oils, and is expected to create employment opportunities for 1,000 people upon full operationalization. The plant's commissioning is a major milestone in the county's economic transformation, aligning with the county government's agenda on food security.

Key Takeaways:

  • The maize milling plant is a partnership between the Kakamega County Investment and Development Agency and Fuka Foods Limited, with a capacity to supply 5,000 farmers.
  • The plant will offer a reliable market for maize farmers, providing standard prices for maize and reducing post-harvest losses due to storage challenges.
  • The project will create employment opportunities for 1,000 people upon full operationalization.
  • The county government has allocated land for the second phase of the project, indicating a long-term commitment to the initiative.
  • The miller has set up the Chekalini Maize Farmers' Co-operative Society, through which over 1,800 farmers will supply raw materials to the plant.
  • The plant's operations will end exploitation of maize farmers by middlemen during the harvest season.
  • The plant will operate alongside other flagship projects in the county, contributing to the overall economic growth and development agenda.

Statistics:

  • 1,800 farmers will initially benefit from the plant, with the potential to expand to 5,000 farmers.
  • The plant will produce maize mill, animal feeds, and edible oils.
  • The plant will create employment opportunities for 1,000 people upon full operationalization.
  • The county government has allocated land for the second phase of the project.

Sources:

  • Governor Fernandes Barasa
  • Deputy Governor Ayub Savula
  • "Kakamega County Investment and Development Agency"
  • Fuka Foods Limited
  • "Chekalini Maize Farmers' Co-operative Society"