The County Government of Bomet has, this afternoon launched the construction of an Avocado Packhouse that will receive, clean, wac, grade, cool and package Avocados before they are dispatched directly to the market.

The facility that is fully owned by the county government of Bomet, will be constructed in Boito ward, Konoin Sub county will help eradicate unscrupulous middlemen who have been a menace to the farmers over the years. This will enable farmers make the most out of their hardwork.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Bomet Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok noted that Bomet County was the leading Avocado hub in the entire South Rift region, adding that the introduction of the Packhouse will be a game changer in the Avocado sector.

“In Africa, Kenya is ranked number as the one avocado producing nation and globally at number seven. Bomet is on a trajectory to become an avocado hub in South Rift”, Said Prof. Barchok.

The governor added that since 2017, the county Government of Bomet has distributed over 189,720 subsidized Avocado seedlings, 69,000 of which have already matured.

Prof. Barchok also noted that Konoin Sub County leads in the number of Avocados planted in Bomet County having planted over 56, 000 Avocados, thus far.

The governor also encouraged farmers in the Sub county and, indeed, across the county to consider venturing into Avocado farming as a way of diversifying their sources of income.

“This Packhouse is one project that is very close to my heart and and I commit to keep a close eye on it’s progress to ensure that it not only conforms to the required standards, but is also delivered within the stipulated time”, the governor said.

The function was attended by officers from the ministry of Agriculture and a host of MCAs led by the area MCA Charles Lang’at Nyesha.