Kisumu’s Kochieng tomato factory nears completion as county targets value addition, job creation
Plans also include adding a cold storage facility to reduce post-harvest losses during peak harvest periods.
KENYA – The Kochieng Tomato Processing Factory in Kano Kobura, Kisumu County, is about 80% complete. Officials target commissioning once the remaining installation work is finished, marking a strategic shift from raw crop production towards industrial value addition.
The facility, which costs more than KES 20 million (approx. US$155,000), is equipped with tomato-processing machinery and a dedicated three-phase electrical transformer. Plans also include adding a cold storage facility to reduce post-harvest losses during peak harvest periods.
Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o said the factory forms part of the county’s strategy to add value to agricultural production. “This is an economic revolution for Kisumu County. We are moving beyond producing raw agricultural commodities to creating industries that add value, create jobs and generate wealth for our people.”
The plant will be the first tomato processing facility in Kisumu County, providing growers in Kano Plains and surrounding areas with a local market for their produce and reducing dependence on imported tomato products.
This local market access transforms tomato farming operations by eliminating the need for farmers to transport perishable produce to distant markets, reducing post-harvest losses and transportation costs. Additionally, farmers gain price stability through guaranteed off-take agreements, enabling them to plan production cycles with confidence.
County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Ken Onyango, said civil works are largely complete and machinery installation is underway. “The project is now about 80% complete. We have substantially completed the civil works, and we are installing the processing machinery alongside a three-phase transformer that will provide reliable industrial power.”
The three-phase electrical transformer ensures a stable power supply for continuous processing operations, while the upcoming cold storage facility will preserve fresh tomatoes during peak harvest periods, minimizing waste and extending processing windows.
More importantly, the main economic benefits include job creation through direct factory employment, indirect employment in logistics and supply chains, and increased income for local tomato farmers.
Meanwhile, county officials have not yet announced a commissioning date, but the facility serves as a cornerstone for a regional agricultural revolution focused on long-term wealth generation.
Ultimately, by establishing the region’s first local processing hub, officials aim to boost the economy, create sustainable jobs, and decrease the area’s reliance on imported goods. This project represents a significant investment in Kenya’s agricultural processing infrastructure.
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