Goldenscape Group is set to break ground on its Sh150 million a food processing plant in Laikipia County.
The firm Chief Executive Peter Wangai says the plant is aimed at reducing food wastage in the county and increase farmers’ productivity.
The plant is looking at processing of tomatoes, vegetables and onions.
The plant is expected to employ over 300 people.
“The plant will be under Goldenscape Industries, we are currently waiting on NEMA approval to construct the plant, we are already in the process of shipping Machinery,” Wangai said.
Wangai says the processing plant will also be linking farmers directly to consumers removing the middle man who is taking advantage of the farmers.
The move comes even as statistics from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicate that Kenya lost Sh150 billion worth of food in 2017 as farmers struggled with managing storing or transporting their goods to the market.
“It is estimated that 30 percent of food produced in Kenya is either lost or wasted. We need the private sector to come in and invest in industries,” Wangai explained.
Food loss refers to quantity and quality, in which the economic value of produce is degraded. Such food may even become unsuitable for human consumption.
“Food handling, including poor storage and sanitation, may also result in food losses. Food safety standards and practices have been put in place in Kenya but not all are feasible for adoption by small farmers and traders. More must be done to help people who fall into these groups if the country is serious about tackling food loss,” Wangai said.
