Potato farmers in Uasin Gishu County are set for a major boost with the ongoing process of installing a potato processing machine at the Ainabkoi plant nearing completion.
The plant, whose structural construction was completed in 2025, is located in Ainabkoi Constituency.
It is now just a month of months before it officially starts operations following the arrival of processing machines.
The machines were delivered at the plant’s site on Monday, January 5, 2025.
According to Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim, installation of the machines is underway.
Chelilim said once the machines are installed, the Ainabkoi Potato Processing Plan will be able to make chips and crisps from potatoes supplied by local farmers.
“The potato processing machines are now on site at our Ainabkoi plant, with installation underway to support value addition into chips and crisps,” the governor said.
He further noted that the availability of the plant will help address the perennial challenge of post-harvest losses and lack of market for the farm produce.
The governor also expressed optimism that the factory will eliminate middlemen who have taken advantage of the potato farmers for a long time.
“This milestone strengthens the potato value chain by improving post-harvest handling, reducing losses, and providing our hardworking farmers with a reliable market,” Chelilim said.
“By enabling local grading, processing, and packaging, our farmers will move away from reliance on middlemen, leading to better farm-gate prices, job creation, and sustainable agricultural development,” he added.
Once complete, the facility will have a cold room as well as a backhouse.
