LAMU, Kenya- The County Government of Lamu has officially commissioned a new coconut processing plant in a move aimed at boosting local value addition, creating jobs and strengthening farmer incomes in the coastal region.
The facility, developed in partnership with the UK government-funded Sustainable Urban Economic Development Programme (SUED), is expected to transform Lamu’s coconut sector by providing a ready market for thousands of farmers while positioning the county as an emerging agro-processing hub.
The commissioning ceremony in Lamu on Friday was presided over by Governor Issa A. Timamy and attended by national and county leaders, representatives from the British High Commission, development partners and private sector players.
Governor Timamy described the project as a milestone in the county’s economic transformation.
“By adding value to our coconut sector here at home, we are creating jobs, strengthening farmer incomes, and positioning Lamu as a competitive agro-processing hub,” he said.
“This investment reflects what is possible when county leadership, development partners and the private sector work together to deliver inclusive and sustainable growth.”
The plant has been set up by Kentaste Products Limited with seed funding from SUED, which is financed by the UK government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The programme is managed by FSD Kenya and works with counties to turn development priorities into bankable investment opportunities.
According to county officials, the processing facility will provide a reliable market for more than 5,000 coconut farmers and create over 90 full-time jobs, with a focus on youth and women. I
t is also expected to help retain more economic value within the county by reducing the export of raw produce and encouraging local processing.
Speaking at the launch, Diana Dalton, Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director at the British High Commission, said the project demonstrates the impact of Kenya–UK collaboration.
“This facility is a positive demonstration of the progress that can be achieved when Kenya and the UK work together to add value to products before they are exported,” she said noting that coastal farmers would benefit from improved incomes and expanded markets.
Dalton added that the initiative supports inclusive growth in a region that has historically faced economic marginalisation, while also strengthening Lamu’s participation in global supply chains.
Kentaste Director Kyle Denning said the factory represents a long-term commitment to the county and its farming communities.
“By investing in local processing, we are strengthening the coconut value chain, creating jobs, and ensuring farmers have a reliable market for their produce,” he said, adding that collaboration with the county and development partners would support sustainable operations.
Rashmi Pillai, Chief Executive Officer of FSD Kenya, said the investment illustrates what can be achieved when local leadership, private capital and structured planning converge around a clear economic opportunity.
She described the plant not only as an industrial asset but as a platform for inclusive growth, resilience and sustained livelihoods.
The commissioning aligns with Lamu County’s broader strategy to leverage agriculture and agro-processing as drivers of economic diversification, employment creation and improved living standards across the coastal county.
