Taveta farmers push for banana factory to boost local economy and curb post-harvest losses

Farmers in Taveta are calling for urgent action to operationalise the long-delayed banana processing plant, citing mounting market pressure from an influx of bananas from neighbouring Tanzania.

Recognising the county’s limited financial resources, they urged increased collaboration with private investors to fully harness the agricultural potential of Taita Taveta County.

The appeal was made during a public participation forum in Taveta Sub-County, where farmers expressed unanimous support for the project.

“This is a very good idea, though it has come a bit late. What I request is that ordinary farmers should not be left out of the decision-making table. They must have the opportunity to share their views,” said Ndelejai Msangi, the chairperson of the Taita Taveta Banana Farmers Co-operative Society.

Many farmers described the factory as a lifeline, particularly as traditional markets like Mombasa are now saturated.

“Bananas are ripening and going to waste in the markets. The Mombasa market is full, and we are competing with an influx from Tanzania. This factory will give banana farmers a chance to survive,” said Rachel Mwadime, a local grower.

Former Mboghoni MCA Jones Maskuji said the project could accelerate the plant’s completion if it is properly structured.

“We urge the government to ensure the contracts are well-designed to protect both the investor and the farmer,” he said.

Others emphasised the economic urgency behind the push.

“We want to see these factories start operating so that we can finally have money in our pockets,” said Judith Saimenyi.

Meanwhile, Jimmy Mkimbo called on national authorities to intervene.

“Our produce is rotting on farms while imports flood in. There must be price controls that protect local farmers,” he said.

Fair prices, jobs for youth

County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Katuu Mzenge, assured farmers that the factory would deliver fair prices and jobs for young people, noting it would help to industrialise the agriculture sector through value addition.

“The factory represents fair prices for farmers, jobs for youth, and economic growth for Taita Taveta,” he said.

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• Banana farming
• Taveta farmers push for banana factory to boost local economy and curb post-harvest losses
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County Chief Officer for Agriculture, Mcharo Mwalugha, encouraged farmers to register with cooperatives and consider taking active roles in managing such facilities.

“This model ensures continuity and professionalism, while also delivering returns on public funds,” he stated.

Farmers were also advised to register under cooperatives to qualify for funding opportunities through the World Bank’s National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).