The United States of America has announced Kenya is set to receive $1.6 million (Sh232 million) in grants to support 4,500 farmers.
Through a statement, the US said it has partnered with Kenyan coconut processor Kentaste which will create economic opportunities.
"The project funded by a combined investment between USAID and Kentaste will support efforts to expand Kentaste’s exports to the United States," the statement read.
"US support for the project comes from the United States Agency for International Development with funding from Feed the Future and Prosper Africa."
Further, the statement noted that the partnership is expected to increase Kentaste’s processing capacity by 67 percent to 50,000 coconuts per day, generate 90 full-time jobs, and enrol 1,500 new farmers as suppliers.
"More than 30 percent 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."
US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman said through the partnership, the two countries will enhance trade, transform lives, and combat food waste and its impacts on climate change.
The collaboration between USAID and Kentaste also secures ties with two major US retailers that will carry Kentaste’s coconut water products.
"These connections expand access to the US market for Kenyan coconut products and provide employment for Kenyan producers."
