Uasin Gishu Woos Fruit Farmers, Promises Support for Business Expansion in Eldoret

The County Government of Uasin Gishu has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with economic entities seeking to invest and grow their businesses in Eldoret City.

Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with members of Kerio Valley Fruit Sacco, County Executive Committee Member for Trade and Cooperatives, Dr. Philip Chebunet said the county recognizes Eldoret as a strategic business hub and is ready to support enterprises that contribute to economic growth and job creation.

Dr. Chebunet noted that the fruit farmers' cooperative, which has been operating in Eldoret selling mangoes, had raised concerns over the need for a secure and conducive working space to enhance their operations.

“We will consider allocating you space once the modern market is completed to enable you to conduct your business in a more organized environment,” said Dr. Chebunet.

He further encouraged the Sacco members to explore value addition opportunities for their produce, noting that processing and packaging fruits could significantly increase their earnings and expand market access.

Enterprise Development Director Kipleting Mengich assured the cooperative of continued support from the Enterprise Development Fund, saying the department was ready to walk with the farmers in their economic journey through business development and empowerment initiatives.

His sentiments were echoed by Director of Cooperatives Drucilla Cherogony and Director of Investment Erastus Barno, who urged the farmers to embrace innovation and value addition as a pathway to higher returns.

The Kerio Valley Fruit Sacco, which has more than 100 members, was established in 2020 under the guidance of Kilimo Management Consultancies. The cooperative was formed to cushion fruit farmers from exploitation by middlemen and to strengthen their bargaining power in the market.

The engagement highlighted the county government's ongoing efforts to support cooperative societies and agribusiness enterprises as key drivers of economic transformation in the region.