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, which was set up in partnership with Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) and Mastercard Foundation, is intended to advance practical research and innovation in technical training institutes.
The value addition hub, which includes a green banana solar drier and miller has the capacity to produce up to eight tonnes of banana flour per day.

Speaking when she launched the facility, Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Principal Secretary Dr Esther Thaara, lauded the institution for leading in value addition efforts.
“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.

Meru produces more than 400,000 tonnes of bananas topping the list of banana producing counties 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 flour 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.
Mr Marangu said the institution was already selling the banana flour to staff and guests ahead of scaling to the external market.

The PS also officially opened the national polytechnic’s state of the art eLearning centre and studios which are meant to make technical education virtual.
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 provide hands-on experience in a safe, controlled virtual environment to thousands of learners at a go.