By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, July 9 , 2026 - Kisumu County's ambition to transform its agricultural economy through value addition is gathering momentum as the Kochieng Tomato Processing Factory in Kano Kobura nears completion, promising a new era for thousands of small-scale farmers long plagued by post-harvest losses and unstable market prices.
The project, which began during the administration of former Governor Jack Ranguma, has reached approximately 80 per cent completion under Governor Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o, signalling the county's determination to complete legacy investments capable of stimulating rural industrialisation.
Costing more than Sh20 million, the factory is equipped with modern tomato processing machinery and a dedicated three-phase electricity transformer to power the plant. County officials are also planning to construct a modern cold room facility to preserve fresh tomatoes before processing, further reducing losses during peak harvest seasons.
Governor Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o described the project as a landmark investment that would fundamentally reshape Kisumu's agricultural economy.
"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 Kochieng Tomato Processing Factory is part of our broader strategy to industrialise agriculture and empower farmers through manufacturing," Nyong'o said.
The factory is expected to become the first tomato processing facility in Kisumu County, providing farmers from Kano Plains and neighbouring areas with a reliable market for their produce while reducing dependence on imported tomato products.
County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Ken Onyango said installation of processing equipment was progressing steadily, placing the project on course for completion before its official commissioning.
"The project is now about 80 per cent 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 next phase is the establishment of a cold storage facility, which will greatly improve our handling capacity for fresh tomatoes," Onyango said.
He termed the investment a transformative intervention for Kisumu's agricultural sector.
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"This is a game changer and an economic lifeline for the small-scale tomato farmers of Kano and the wider Kisumu County. For many years they have suffered enormous losses whenever production exceeded market demand. Soon, they will have a place where their fresh farm produce will be processed into finished products with greater commercial value. That is how we increase farmers' incomes while creating employment across the value chain," he added.
Agriculture remains one of Kisumu's largest economic pillars, yet much of its produce has traditionally been sold in raw form, leaving farmers vulnerable to volatile prices and seasonal gluts. During bumper harvests, tonnes of tomatoes are often wasted because of inadequate storage and the absence of local processing facilities.
Analysts say the Kochieng factory could significantly alter that pattern by creating a dependable industrial market for farmers while stimulating packaging, transport, logistics and retail businesses around the county.
The project also demonstrates the importance of policy continuity. Conceived during the Ranguma administration and now nearing completion under Governor Nyong'o, the factory illustrates how successive governments can unlock economic value by completing inherited development projects rather than abandoning them.
Its long-term success, however, will depend on sustained supplies of quality tomatoes, efficient management, affordable energy and strong market linkages for processed products.
County officials say the factory is expected to be commissioned once the remaining installation works are completed, although the official launch date is yet to be announced.
For Kano's tomato farmers, the plant represents far more than another county project. It offers the prospect of stable markets, reduced wastage and better returns from every harvest, positioning Kisumu to emerge as a leading agro-processing hub in western Kenya.