Kisii County Governor James Ongwae flagged off the first export consignment of avocado oil from the avocado processing plant.

The 30 metric tonnes of avocado oil is destined for Mexico’s cosmetic industry. The avocado oil has been produced by Old Land Trade Company, an Australian firm, that started operations in Kisii two months ago.

The Governor said the avocado produced in Kisii annually is more than sufficient to run the factory at 80 tonnes per day adding plans are underway to increase production of avocado per unit area.

Governor Ongwae announced that his government has negotiated with investors to put up industries particularly in the area of value addition to local produce, as a means of improving earnings to farmers and creating employment.

The avocado is cultivated in nearly every household in Kisii and it has contributed greatly in improving nutrition and poverty alleviation.

He said his government continues to prioritize investment in programmes that will transform the county into a middle-income economy.

The Governor said his government shall strive to create conducive environment for both local and foreign investors.
His government through the ministry of agriculture has distributed subsidized and enhanced Hass Variety of avocado seedlings to producer groups with an aim of achieving full factory capacity of 350 metric tonnes per day.

He said the move will allow the factory to operate 24-hour thereby creating more employment opportunities for the youth.