KIGOTO MAIZE MILL ROARS TO LIFE AS WANGA MOVES TO FULFILL 100 DAY PROMISES
Maize production in Homa Bay county received a major boost on Friday after the county government launched a maize processing plant in Suba Sub county.
Homa Bay Governor H.E Gladys Wanga on Friday, 4th of November hosted the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga to officially commission the Sh160m Kigoto Maize milling plant at Kigoto, Suba sub county marking a major milestone in the county government’s efforts to promote industrialization and boost food security.
Speaking during the colourful event, Governor Wanga said she was delighted having finally completed one of the projects her administration had embarked on completing in under a hundred days since assuming office.
“We embarked on the completion of Kigoto factory to boost farmers’ earnings and further help in the value addition for their produce before selling to retain much of the returns from their ventures,” Wanga said.
The governor announced that a 2kg of ‘Mokwa’ maize brand will retail at Sh195, with a kilo going for Sh95. The current shortage of maize supply from the region is expected to be addressed through various strategies among them providing maize subsidies and strengthening the cooperative movement.
ODM leader, Raila Odinga commended Wanga and her administration for swiftly embarking on serving the people.
“Homa Bay has served as a model to other counties who have hit the ground to oversee implementation of projects as devolution dictates,” Odinga said.
According to Governor Wanga, the milling plant that began operations on Friday, has a capacity of processing upto 30 tons of maize flour in a day. Homa Bay has a high potential for maize production with gwassi and the entire suba sub county being the county’s grain basket.
“We have immediately rolled out delivery of farm inputs to boost the potential of our farmers in maize production to ensure we meet the factory’s demands and empower our people,” the governor said, adding that the factory will address challenges faced by farmers and traders in marketing their produce.
Homa Bay county, the Governor announced, will soon complete the Animal feeds processing plant in Arujo among stalled county projects.
Area Member of Parliament, Hon. Caroli Omondi lauded the county’s efforts in intitiating the venture that has given Kigoto village a facelift and a potential agribusiness hub.
Deputy Governor, Joseph Oyugi Magwanga expressed optimism that the milling plant will receive enough raw materials from county farmers and urged the youth to embrace agribusiness.
The event was also attended by Members of Parliament, Hon. John Mbadi, Hon. Lilian Gogo, Hon. Dr. Eve Obara, Hon. Charles Were, County Speaker Hon. Julius Gaya, members of the county assembly among other guests.