New Hybrid Dryer Commissioned to Transform Value Addition in Kitui

On Monday June 30th, 2025 – Kitui’s agribusiness sector got a significant boost today following the commissioning of a solar-biomass hybrid dryer, an innovative investment by Fine Fruits and Vegetables Kenya Ltd in partnership with the Africa Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), and the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Department of Food Science and Technology.

The fully off-grid dryer combines solar and biomass energy, allowing uninterrupted drying both day and night. It features food-grade stainless steel trays, an insulated drying chamber, and has the capacity to process up to 12,000 tonnes of fresh produce annually offering a sustainable and efficient solution to post-harvest losses.

Speaking when he graced the event at Site and Service Estate, Kitui Central Sub County, Kitui CECM for Agriculture and Livestock, Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele, said the dryer will be ideal for value addition of mango, vegetables, and chillies.

Dr. Kimwele also noted that such technologies represent the future of agro-processing and should be embraced as models for similar innovations across the county.

He reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to supporting agribusiness players by fostering a conducive environment for investment and innovation.

Dr. Evelyne Okoth, who led the initiative from JKUAT’s Department of Food Science and Technology, noted that the university played an advisory and training role, saying the institution supported the entrepreneur in aligning the facility to meet food safety standards and trained farmers in Kitui on safe and quality production practices strengthening the entire value chain from production to market.

Ken Kwithya, Director and owner of Fine Fruits and Vegetables Kenya Ltd, emphasized the dryer’s broader impact beyond processing, saying the facility will serve as a centre of excellence for training, especially targeting youth, while also creating employment opportunities and promoting agribusiness skills among young people.

The dryer is expected to improve the quality and shelf life of produce for local farmers, enhance market competitiveness, and stimulate agri-based economic activity in the region.

Also in attendance were, Dr.Eng Florence Kiburi of the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department JKUAT, Dr. Catherine Kilelu of the Africa Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) among other county officials.

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