The United States has revealed a strategic partnership with Kwale-based coconut processor Kentaste, that will create substantial economic opportunities for over 4,500 local farmers.
The project is funded by a combined investment between USAID and Kentaste of more than $1.6 million, which will support efforts to expand Kentaste’s exports to the United States. U.S. support for the project comes from the United States Agency for International Development with funding from Feed the Future and Prosper Africa.
The partnership is expected to increase Kentaste’s processing capacity by 67 per cent to 50,000 coconuts per day, generate 90 full-time jobs, and enrol 1,500 new farmers as suppliers.
Excellent tour of @Kentaste_Ke's coconut processing factory and Abdalla Juma's farm – shining examples of #USKEPartnership creating better livelihoods for Kenyans. Pleased to have announced new @USAIDKenya grants to boost economic opportunities for more than 4500 farmers. Press… pic.twitter.com/KAy0hOLr6t
— U.S. Ambassador Meg Whitman (@USAmbKenya) August 29, 2023
More than 30 per cent of newly enrolled farmers will be women. The project will also eliminate 32,500 litres of food loss and waste over the next two years by increasing processing efficiency.
The collaboration between USAID and Kentaste also secures ties with two major U.S. retailers that will carry Kentaste’s coconut water products. These connections expand access to the U.S. market for Kenyan coconut products and provide employment for Kenyan producers.
Local farmer Abdalla Juma Mwaramunda said, “With Kentaste, I now have consistent earnings and better farming techniques. This partnership is transforming our community”.
Ambassador Meg Whitman said, “Through partnerships like this, we are enhancing trade, transforming lives, and combating food waste and its impacts on climate change. Sustainable growth and international collaboration are key to the prosperity of both our countries.”
