This archive report was first published on 4 November 2019.
Coast Development Authority's (CDA) efforts have paid off as the Galole Fruit Processing Factory in Tana River has been revived at a cost of approximately Sh67 million.
Established in 2012, the factory had been dormant for years due to mismanagement and corruption, leaving mango farmers at the mercy of middlemen who bought their produce at Sh2 per fruit compared to CDA's Sh20 per kilogramme.
However, with the revival of the factory, mango farmers from Tana River, Lamu, and Kilifi counties will now benefit from the production of mango pulp and bottled water.
On Saturday, CDA Managing Director Mohammed Keinan announced that the plant will be crushing a tonne of mangoes per hour, producing 500kg of pulp per tonne.
"It is faster and stronger in that it will be running 24 hours a day with workers working in shifts," Mr Keinan said on Saturday.
The factory will serve 30,000 mango farmers from the three counties, with 100 people directly hired for large-scale production and another 1,500 set to be absorbed indirectly.
According to Keinan, the first production line will produce 12,000 metric tonnes of pulp per year, a significant increase from the initial 2,880 tonnes.
"We have made a leap from the initial 2,880 tonnes, increasing our output to 40,000 metrics tonnes per year. This will put us ahead of other producers in the region," said Keinan.
Plant engineer Brett Jhonson noted that the machine was the second of its kind in the country, with the first one installed by Kerio Valley Development Authority for honey processing.
"This is an absolute boost to the plant and the coast region's economy. With a faster production capacity and relatively cheaper maintenance, we anticipate a smooth running of activities down here," Mr Jhonson said.
The revival of the factory is expected to support the plant's operations, with CDA acquiring 300 acres in the county to shore up mango production and train farmers to manage the farms.
Published on November 4, 2019, at 1:22 am.
