[Kisii Agriculture County Executive Vincent Sagwe in a past event. He has confirmed allocation of Sh182m by European Union meant to establishment of a Banana plant in Kisii. Photo/Hivisasa.com]
The European Union is set to donate at least Sh 182 million to Kisii County to help in the setting up of a banana processing plant.
County Executive Vincent Sagwe said the funds will further aid in the value addition chain process of the product once the plant is up.
The tranche will be received by September this year with work on site to set start shortly after.
The plant will be built at Agricultural Training Centre in Kisii town where they have identified a plot.
Mr Sagwe said the setting up the banana factory reinforces the County's commitment to improve the agricultural sector and save farmers loses.
"We are keen to ensure works at this factory continues. The problem has been the contractor, however, we are squaring the issue out soon" he said.
Sh 6.2 m has already been paid out for the setting up of the factory but Mr Sagwe lamented the slow pace by the contractor was affecting development in the region and are thinking of ending the contract."As matters stand now we are contemplating ending this contract and give to someone who can handle a bit quickly," said Mr Sagwe at his office.
The Agriculture County boss also said at least Sh 20 m to set a Dairy Farmers Sacco to enable farmers access loans to buy dairy cows .