NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 27 – Smallholder farmers in Nyandarua, Meru, and Kisii have received a boost after the Micro Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA), the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC), and the House of Procurement entered into a deal to enhance cold storage facilities.
The improved chilling units will allow small farmers to store produce such as potatoes, among others, for a long duration of time since they experience massive post-harvest stage wastage.
“This initiative aims to address these challenges by providing modern storage solutions,” MSEA CEO Henry Rithaa said, underscoring the importance of technology in transforming agriculture, helping farmers improve productivity and earnings.
Rithaa noted that county aggregation centers will play a crucial role in organizing farmers and linking them to markets.
Additionally, he outlined MSEA’s key initiatives supporting core investments through KJET, with the government providing 70 percent financing for the acquisition of machinery to support value addition at the cottage industry level.
He also highlighted NYOTA, a youth grant program set to run over the next five years to promote youth participation in agribusiness.
“I call on all the manufacturers and financial institutions to develop tailored products to support the MSE’s ecosystem, with over 215 CIDC’s, MSEA supports primary value addition at the cottage level, and this feeds into the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks ecosystem,” added Rithaa.
Africa Mega Agricorp CEO Samuel Mutisya reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding opportunities for farmers by facilitating both local and international market access, leveraging its trade relations with external markets such as Dubai.
The firm currently supports 23 counties in aggregation and value creation, helping farmers secure better market linkages and competitive prices for their produce.
KDC CEO Norah Ratemo reiterated the corporation’s support for industrial investments, particularly in reducing post-harvest losses.
She emphasized the importance of providing machinery and financial solutions beyond aggregation, encouraging investors to focus on value addition.
