Chuka Technical and Vocational College (TVC) is emerging as a key player in agricultural value addition through the production of natural sunflower and canola cooking oils, an innovation that aligns with the government’s efforts to reduce Kenya’s dependence on imported edible oils while creating opportunities for local farmers and students.
The institution showcased the products during the 4th International Research Conference, Skills Competition, Innovation, Career Guidance and Expo at Kabete National Polytechnic, where visitors were introduced to the college’s cold-pressed edible oil processing technology.
Speaking during the exhibition, Victoria Ndega from Chuka TVC explained that the institution extracts oil from sunflower and canola seeds using a cold-pressing process that preserves nutrients and maintains product quality without the use of chemical additives or preservatives.
According to Ndega, seeds are fed into a processing machine where they are mechanically pressed to produce oil and by-products known as sunflower cake and canola cake. The oil is then left to settle for several days before undergoing filtration, refinement and packaging for sale.
“Our products are completely natural. We do not add preservatives or additives at any stage of processing. What consumers get is fresh, healthy oil straight from locally sourced farm produce,” she said.
She noted that the oils contain Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect body cells from damage, while their cholesterol-free nature makes them a healthier option for consumers concerned about heart-related illnesses.
Ndega attributed the uniqueness of the products to the cold-pressing technology, which helps retain nutritional value that is often lost during conventional high-temperature extraction methods.
“We are focused on quality because the health and well-being of our consumers remains our priority. Cold pressing enables us to produce a premium product while preserving its natural properties,” she added.
The edible oil project, which began commercial production last year, has already gained market presence and is steadily expanding its customer base. The institution now plans to distribute its products across the country as demand continues to grow.
Current retail prices include KSh160 for a half-litre bottle, KSh320 for one litre, KSh630 for two litres, KSh930 for three litres and KSh1,500 for a five-litre package.
Beyond generating income for the institution, the initiative is also creating a reliable market for local farmers who supply sunflower and canola seeds for processing.
“By sourcing our raw materials locally, we are empowering farmers and supporting agricultural production within our communities,” Ndega said.
The college is also exploring opportunities to diversify into the production of castor oil and avocado oil as part of its expansion strategy.
The innovation comes at a time when Kenya is grappling with a huge edible oil import bill. According to Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, the country imported more than 900,000 metric tonnes of edible oils in 2023 at a cost exceeding KSh139 billion.
The Cabinet Secretary has indicated that the Government is implementing a sunflower-soybean programme through the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) to reduce the country’s annual edible oil import expenditure, currently estimated at about KSh145 billion.
The initiative seeks to increase local production of oilseed crops that can be processed into cooking oil within Kenya, thereby reducing dependence on imports while creating jobs and enhancing food security.
Through its Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate, AFA continues to promote the cultivation, processing and marketing of crops such as sunflower, soybean, canola and sesame as part of the broader strategy to strengthen the local edible oil industry.
Education stakeholders attending the expo praised Chuka TVC’s innovation as an example of how Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions are translating practical skills into commercially viable solutions that address national development challenges.
Ndega emphasized that the project also serves as a practical training platform for students, reflecting the institution’s commitment to hands-on learning.
“At Chuka TVC, students spend approximately 90 per cent of their time in practical workshops and 10 per cent in theory. This approach equips learners with industry-ready skills and nurtures innovation and entrepreneurship,” she said.
She encouraged young people to embrace TVET education, describing it as a pathway to self-employment, innovation and economic empowerment.
