Fruit farmers in Siaya County are set to reap big returns after the commissioning of the Ramba fruit processing factory.
The project was started several years ago by members of Ramba Fruit Producers and Marketing Cooperative Society with support from the World Bank, which funded the construction of the factory.
However, members of the cooperative lacked expertise on how to process fruits, and therefore leased it to E&A Ltd to run the plant.
While launching the plant on Friday, Siaya governor James Orengo lauded the initiative, adding that it will go a long way in improving farmers' livelihoods and also creating jobs for locals.
"The project is expected to tap into the abundant fruits from the villages for commercial production of juice and other products," said Orengo.
The governor, who was accompanied by his deputy William Oduol, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo and the outgoing CEC for Agriculture, Elizabeth Odhiambo, said the factory will also provide an opportunity for locals to learn new technologies and value addition.
