The Meru National Polytechnic is set to start commercial production of banana flour and wines following the launch of an Applied Research Innovation Hub.
The hub, established in partnership with Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) and the Mastercard Foundation, aims to advance practical research and innovation in technical training institutions.
The value-added hub, which includes a green banana solar drier and mill, can produce up to eight tonnes of banana flour per day.
Speaking when she launched the facility, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Principal Secretary Dr Esther Thaara lauded the institution for leading efforts in value addition.
“This project is part of a broader push by the TVET sector to promote applied research that contributes to Kenya’s economic growth. In line with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), TVET institutions are increasingly focusing on value addition of agricultural products, ensuring that innovations translate into increased income and job creation for local communities.
The banana-based products developed through this project are already demonstrating significant potential in market value and sustainability,” Dr Thaara said.
The head of research and innovation, Phillip Marangu, said the value addition project was inspired by the high production of bananas in Meru.
READ ALSO:
MCA raises concern over the financial year budget appropriations in Education Sector
Meru produces more than 400,000 tonnes of bananas, ranking it as the leading banana-producing county in the country.
“This project was conceived to help address the banana glut, which leaves farmers counting losses. We are converting the whole banana into flou,r which can be used in making porridge and other food additives. We are also converting the bananas into wine,” Marangu said.
He said the peels, which are discarded, are rich in potassium, an essential nutrient for the human body.
Marangu said the institution was already selling the banana flour to staff and guests ahead of scaling it up for the external market.
The PS also officially opened the national polytechnic’s state-of-the-art eLearning centre and studios, which aim to make technical education more accessible virtually.
Meru National Polytechnic is on the verge of using immersive Virtual Reality (VR) gear to simulate practical lessons across all industrial departments.
This will enable the college to provide hands-on experience in a safe, controlled virtual environment to thousands of learners simultaneously.
By John Majau
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
