The UK government has funded the construction of a Sh2.3 billion Irish and sweet potato factory in Iten, Elgeyo County. The facility, with a processing capacity of 60,000 tons, was launched yesterday by the British high commissioner to Kenya, Jane Marriot. Ambassador Marriot said at least 5,000 direct jobs will be created by the new plant. In the next five-year, she expects additional 10,000 jobs to be created besides producing a new seed variety, which has the potential to double farmers' yields.
She said the factory will be the first in the country and the third in Africa after Egypt and South Africa to process Irish and sweet potatoes for the European market.
Source: allafrica.com