In 2010, Askah Nyakwara, along with other banana farmers, was presented with the opportunity to engage in a field study facilitated by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).
Following the successful completion of the training, she promptly initiated a banana processing enterprise.
Askah invested Ksh 2,000 to purchase cooking oil and bananas, which she subsequently sliced and deep-fried to create banana crisps.
Her initial clientele primarily consisted of school-aged children.
As her business progressed, Askah formalized her operations by registering the enterprise under the name Nyangorora Banana Youth Group.
The establishment of this business aimed to enhance the livelihoods of small-scale banana farmers while providing employment and skill development opportunities for unemployed youth.
“Presently, we buy a specific, specially-cultured species for cooking, as well as dessert bananas from farming households mainly in Kisii and Nyamira Counties
“We offer fair trade prices since we can pay higher prices through our low-cost value add model,” she said.
Askah further elaborated that their entry into the business was motivated by the fact that a majority of banana products available in the Kenyan market were imported.
“Banana processing and waste management solutions could improve the lives of smallholder banana farmers, who contribute over 75 per cent of Kenya’s total output
“It can also fuel economic growth for communities by creating demand for new, value-add products reducing post-harvest loss,” she said.
The organization manufactures banana crisps, flour, baked banana bread, wine and fiber, all marketed under the brand name Ritoke.
Additionally, Askah indicated that they have the capability to produce beer, soap, and juice should they choose to broaden their business operations.
“Although we produce banana products exclusively, we have the knowledge and equipment to make similar products with different locally-sourced feedstock, such as sweet potato and pumpkin
“This competency and availability of local feedstock offer options for future expansion of our product portfolio beyond bananas,” she said.
The organization is currently focusing on the national market, while their ultimate objective is to penetrate the export market.
The processor has a production capacity of 5,500 grams of banana crisps each hour, requiring the daily involvement of six to ten workers.
They obtain their bananas from the counties of Kisii and Nyamira.
“In a day, we buy 500kgs of bananas, and produce between 50 to 55kgs of banana crisps per a day, which consume around 250kgs of raw bananas – the rest of the bananas are used to process flour while the riper ones are pureed,” she said.
