Khwisero Banana Factory has been revived to enhance value addition and reduce post-harvest losses incurred by farmers.

Among other things, the factory will be making banana bread, cakes and crisps. These will a viable alternative to wheat-based confectionaries that dominate the market.

Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Wycliffe Oparanya presided over the project’s launch on Friday.

Oparanya said the factory will mark a significant milestone in the region’s economic development and transform the local agricultural landscape.

“We have committed Ksh20 million ($154,380) towards the project that will transform local livelihoods and accelerate socio-economic development in the region,” he said.

Speaking in Khwisero, the cabinet secretary said the government is keen on revitalizing cooperative movements and supporting MSMEs to drive economic growth in rural areas.

The minister was accompanied by area Member of Parliament Christopher Aseka and his counterparts Elsie Muhanda (Woman Representative), Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Fred Ikana (Shinyalu), Titus Khamala (Lurambi) and Deputy County Commissioner Jackson Oloo.

Aseka applauded the factory’s revival and said it has the potential to create jobs, promote sustainable farming practice, ensure food security and boost the local economy.

“The revival of the Khwisero Banana Factory is a game-changer for our people. This project will provide employment for many and enhance agribusiness for our local farmers,” he said.

He said the project aligns with his vision of empowering the community through economic sustainability.

The MP said the banana processing plant is expected to provide a reliable market for farmers and promised a transparent implementation of the project. Farmers and residents expressed optimism about the revival of the plant, noting that the factory will not only offer stable incomes but also encourage investment in banana farming in Khwisero Sub-County.

Stakeholders remain hopeful that the initiative will set the pace for more industrial and agricultural advancements in the county.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By John Ochanda