FIRST EVER SEED PRESSING FACILITY LAUNCHED IN HONGWE AS AFA AND LAMU COUNTY BOOST VALUE ADDITION DRIVE
Lake Kenyatta Farmers Cooperative Society in Hongwe has received a major agricultural boost following the official launch of the first-ever seed pressing machine at the cooperative.
The facility, donated by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) in partnership with the County Government of Lamu is expected to significantly enhance value addition in the region’s agricultural sector.
The installation marks a key milestone in efforts to transition farmers from raw production to processing, enabling them to produce biodiesel and other by-products, including animal feed, which remains in short supply nationally.
Speaking during the launch, Lamu Deputy Governor Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj urged farmers to fully embrace the factory, noting that value addition remains central to increasing income and creating employment opportunities.
He emphasized that processed products such as biodiesel fetch higher market value compared to raw produce, and encouraged farmers to scale up production to ensure a steady supply of raw materials for the facility.
Dr. Bahjaj also announced that the County Government of Lamu, in partnership with a private investor, is set to establish a bixa processing factory as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural value chains under Governor Issa Timamy’s administration.
AFA Chairman Hon. Cornel Serem highlighted that the seed pressing machine will enable farmers to produce biodiesel and other by-products, including animal feeds, helping address shortages in the livestock sector. He encouraged farmers to submit proposals for support, assuring them of continued AFA backing provided production levels are sustained.
He further reaffirmed AFA’s commitment to working closely with farmers and county governments to enhance agricultural productivity and value addition across the country.
Lamu County Agriculture CECM Hon. Gichu called on farmers to join cooperatives and fully embrace value addition initiatives. He noted that the Department of Agriculture will continue collaborating with partners to strengthen the sector, adding that such investments will play a key role in job creation and rural economic empowerment.
Farmers present expressed appreciation to the leadership of the county government under Governor Issa Timamy, commending ongoing efforts to transform agriculture through strategic investments and partnerships.
In attendance were Hon. Julius Ndegwa, representatives from Makueni Ginners, Managing Director of Thika Cloth Mills Tejal Dodhia, among others.
_Ends_
For more information, contact: communication office at communication@lamu.go.ke
