Large-scale maize farmers in Lugari subcounty and Kakamega county will now benefit from the newly commissioned maize milling plant.
The plant will run three divisions for the production of maize mill, animal feeds and edible oils and offer a reliable market to 1,800 farmers with the capacity to expand to 5,000.
The project, in Chekalini area in Lugari constituency is a partnership between the Kakamega County Investment and Development Agency and Fuka Foods Limited.
Governor Fernandes Barasa said that the milling plant is a major boost to the county’s food security and the broader development agenda.
He said the plant will provide ready market for maize farmers, ensuring they reap maximum returns from their investments and end exploitation by middlemen.
“This plant is going to allow residents of Lugari and the entire county to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the economic growth,” Barasa said.
“At full operationalisation, the plant is expected to employ about 1,000 people. It will operate alongside flagship projects in other parts of the county.”
The milling plant was commissioned on Saturday.
Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, Innocent Mugabe (Lukuyani) and the plant investor Chirui Walingo attended the event.
Savula, who chaired the multisectoral committee on implementation of the project, said the investment is a major milestone towards the county’s economic transformation.
“Having been part of the journey to midwife this project, I am glad our agenda on food security is on course,” he said.
The deputy governor said the miller has set up the Chekalini Maize Farmers’ Co-operative Society through which more than 1,800 farmers will supply raw materials.
The factory will end maize farmers’ exploitation by middlemen during harvest season as it will offer standard prices for maize.
It will also reduce post-harvest losses that maize farmers incur through storage challenges.
The county government has allocated land for the second phase of the project.
by HILTON OTENYO
