Our team embarked on an important mission to assess the Sweet and Dried factory, located amidst the serene mountainside of Chuka, Tharaka Nithi County. The purpose of the visit was to ensure that the factory’s production standards met the requirements for providing high-quality, nutritious flours to our Nawiri programme beneficiaries in Oldonyiro and Kipsing villages.

As we travelled through the lush, winding terrain, we were met with the warm hospitality of the local staff, who diligently worked under natural sunlight to dry their produce. Sweet and Dried has perfected the art of using the sun’s rays to preserve the nutrients of a wide array of produce, including green bananas, pumpkins, arrowroots, sweet potatoes, mangoes, ripe bananas, moringa, and a selection of leafy green vegetables. Once dried, these ingredients were milled into fine powders and carefully blended into nutritious flours.

During our tour of the factory, we were pleased to witness the partnership between Sweet and Dried and the Nawiri programme proving mutually beneficial. The factory employs a majority of youth from Tharaka Nithi County, offering them meaningful employment while promoting local economic growth. Their dedication and attention to detail were evident as they skillfully managed the drying, milling, and packaging processes, ensuring that the final products retained their nutritional integrity.

Meanwhile, Nawiri programme beneficiaries in the remote villages of Oldonyiro and Kipsing are reaping the rewards of this collaboration. The flours produced by Sweet and Dried are designed to provide essential nutrients, helping to address the dietary needs of these arid regions. The synergy between the factory and Nawiri ensures a steady supply of healthy food options, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

As we completed our assessment, it became clear that this partnership holds great promise for both the factory workers and the communities we serve. The commitment to quality, sustainability, and community empowerment will no doubt continue to fuel the success of both Sweet and Dried and the Nawiri programme, fostering a brighter future for all involved.