Chuka Technical and Vocational College (TVC) is becoming an important contributor to agricultural value addition by producing natural sunflower and canola cooking oils. The initiative supports government efforts to lower Kenya’s reliance on imported edible oils while opening opportunities for farmers and students.
The college presented the oils at the 4th International Research Conference, Skills Competition, Innovation, Career Guidance and Expo held at Kabete National Polytechnic, where attendees were shown its cold-pressed oil processing technology.
Victoria Ndega of Chuka TVC said the institution extracts oil from sunflower and canola seeds through cold pressing, a method that keeps nutrients intact and maintains quality without chemical additives or preservatives.
She explained that the seeds are fed into a processing machine and mechanically pressed, producing oil alongside sunflower cake and canola cake as by-products. The oil is allowed to settle for several days before it is filtered, refined and packed for sale.
Ndega said the products are entirely natural, with no preservatives or additives introduced during processing. Consumers receive fresh, healthy oil made from locally sourced farm produce.
She added that the oils contain Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps shield body cells from damage. Their cholesterol-free profile also makes them a healthier choice for people concerned about heart-related conditions.
Ndega said the appeal of the products lies in the cold-pressing process, which helps preserve nutritional value that can be lost through conventional high-temperature extraction.
She said the college prioritizes quality because consumer health and well-being remain central to the project. Cold pressing allows the institution to produce a premium oil while retaining its natural properties.
The edible oil venture began commercial production last year and has already established a market presence. As demand grows, the college plans to distribute the products across the country.
The oils are currently sold at 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.
Apart from generating revenue for the institution, the project provides a dependable market for local farmers who supply sunflower and canola seeds for processing.
Ndega said sourcing raw materials locally empowers farmers and supports agricultural production within surrounding communities.
The college is also looking into producing castor oil and avocado oil as part of its expansion plans.
The innovation comes as Kenya faces a large edible oil import bill. Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe said the country imported more than 900,000 metric tonnes of edible oils in 2023 at a cost above KSh139 billion.
The Cabinet Secretary has said the Government is implementing a sunflower-soybean programme through the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) to cut the country’s annual edible oil import spending, which is currently estimated at about KSh145 billion.
The programme aims to raise local production of oilseed crops that can be processed into cooking oil in Kenya. It is also intended to reduce dependence on imports while creating jobs and improving food security.
Through its Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate, AFA continues to encourage the cultivation, processing and marketing of crops such as sunflower, soybean, canola and sesame as part of efforts to strengthen the local edible oil industry.
Education stakeholders at the expo commended Chuka TVC’s innovation as proof that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions can turn practical skills into commercially viable solutions for national development challenges.
Ndega said the project also functions as a hands-on training platform for students, demonstrating the college’s commitment to practical learning.
She said students at Chuka TVC spend about 90 per cent of their time in practical workshops and 10 per cent in theory. This model equips learners with industry-ready skills while encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship.
Ndega urged young people to take up TVET education, describing it as a route to self-employment, innovation and economic empowerment.