King Letsie III of Lesotho has lauded Taita Taveta County's efforts to enhance food security by investing in agricultural value addition. During his official visit, the monarch highlighted the county's recent achievements, including the establishment of the Taveta Sunflower Growers Oil Processing Plant and the completion of a modern rice milling facility.
The King emphasized that processing agricultural products locally not only boosts farmers’ incomes but also stimulates economic activity and reduces post-harvest losses. He noted that such initiatives create employment opportunities and contribute to building resilient food systems.
Governor Andrew Mwadime shared that the county government prioritizes value addition as a key strategy to strengthen agriculture and improve livelihoods. The administration is also expanding irrigation, promoting modern farming technologies, and enhancing market access for farmers to increase household incomes and position Taita Taveta as a food-secure region.
Accompanying the King was Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General Ahmed Idris, who stressed the importance of partnerships between governments and development organizations in addressing food security, climate resilience, and community welfare.
Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo remarked that the new processing plants will provide local farmers with better opportunities to add value to their produce within the county, reinforcing the region’s commitment to agro-processing as a pathway to economic growth.
