Indigenous bananas and sugarcane in Kisii land and some of the parts around the lake areas keep on in fashion in the market as it is consumed by large among many families.
This situation however, changes with many business people now aiming to curb outside world markets including West and Middle East countries.
A rich diverse of Kisii-African indigenous bananas and sugarcane exists, when taken in they contribute to good health.
Ng’ombe (big Kisii banana) is a modern Kisii banana that is rich in carbohydrates. It has a sweet taste.
However the recipe makes it taste great. Sugarcane (omosi) is also another valuable plant since it has natural sugar itself
Mary Kemunto is one of the sellers who have sold these indigenous bananas in Keumbu Market, Kisii County for the last 13 years. She sells bananas but she also sells avocado and sugarcane.
In cooperation of other businesswomen in that market, they travel far distances on a daily basis such places as Magena in Nyamache sub-county, in search of those products.
Kemunto manages to get bananas, sugarcane and avocados at a price of between Sh150-400 for bananas; Kemunto manages to get a large number of bananas due to its low price.
They pay fare depending with the distance, she uses Sh200 when distance is long but she can also make a profit of Sh1, 000 per week when business is at its peak. Doing her business in Keumbu open air market Kemunto, sells the bananas as it is whole at Sh400 for the big banana.
When the market is flooded she goes round collecting her bananas and other products for fair price so that to wait till market is nice for her business.” This is due to transport expenses incurred since she live in Igare, Sameta Sub-County.” said Kemunto.
Being a mother of three, Kemuto has managed to educate her children to college level and done much savings for her children in future.
There are more than 50 women selling indigenous bananas and other products within Keumbu Market and a number keeps on increasing daily.Kemunto finds that lack of proper planning of the market gives them high costs.
Since there are no shelters, they are forced to seek shelter leading them to lose. “The government keeps on taxing us but it has not planned on this, but we hope our needs have reached them and are under consideration though they are taking long.”Kemunto laments.
Esther Moraa adds that poor road network has almost killed their business. “Sometimes transporting these products from the source it becomes expensive since these products are from remote and sometimes our goods can reach in market so late.” she said.
“We need stores were we can keep our products after a long day and where there is security.” said Moraa.
The County Government of Kisii through its Governor James Ongwae has given a promise to build a bus park to give more space for business vendors, and also it has in place for building shelters. The governor is optimal that proper market segmenting will lead to increased sales.
“We are intending to open some roads to the market, put lights all over the market, and put water throughout the market.” said Kiana the Keumbu Sub-County Administrator.
With over 2 million people in Gusii region is well known to produce indigenous bananas and sugarcane that are consumed nationwide and some parts of the outside world.
With addition in value these products will find market in larger Europe.