The Uasin Gishu county government has achieved a key milestone in agricultural value addition after it procured and installed potato processing machines at Ainabkoi plant, Ainabkoi Sub County.
The innovation is expected to support production of potato chips and crisps, aimed at strengthening the county’s potato value chain.
Speaking during delivery of the equipment in Ainabkoi sub county, the area governor Dr. Jonathan Bii commended the move, noting it strengthens the potato value chain by improving post-harvest handling, reducing losses, while providing the hardworking farmers with a reliable market.
Bii indicated that the project is aimed at empowering farmers by providing a reliable market for their produce and minimizing dependence on middlemen.
He noted that value addition at the local level would lead to improved farm-gate prices and more stable incomes for farmers.
“By enabling local grading, processing and packaging, our farmers will move away from reliance on middlemen, leading to better farm-gate prices, job creation and sustainable agricultural development,” he noted.
The governor emphasized that the facility is also expected to create employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women, through processing, packaging, transportation and related agribusiness activities.
“The Ainabkoi processing plant is a game changer for our potato farmers. By processing potatoes locally, we are ensuring farmers earn more from their hard work while reducing losses that occur after harvest,” he said.
Farmers in the area welcomed the installation, which is currently underway, saying the initiative will help reduce post-harvest losses, while improving the quality and marketability of locally produced potatoes.
Uasin Gishu being one of the leading potato-producing counties in the region, has prioritized value addition through the new potato processing plant, as part of its agricultural transformation agenda.
The plant aligns with the county’s broader efforts to promote agro-industrialization, improve food security, and drive sustainable economic development.
Once fully operational, the Ainabkoi plant is expected to serve farmers from across the county, positioning Uasin Gishu as a key hub for processed potato products in the region.
By Ekuwam Sylvester
