Monthly Report Template for COMPETE Grantees

According to the grant agreement implementation timeline, the following activities were accomplished during the past month. Relocating and improving plant equipment to achieve full food-grade processing capacity as verified by the Kenyan Bureau of Standards was a key activity. Two driers are currently running, and a total of 15,040 kilograms have been dried. This achievement brings the company closer to its goal of increasing plant capacity to allow processing of 100 tons per season. The purchase of 200 tons of macadamia from Meru and Taita growers associations was also a significant accomplishment. A total of 7,200 kilograms of macadamia nuts were purchased in June, with 504,000 Kenyan shillings paid to farmers during this period. Additionally, 60,490 Kenyan shillings were paid to Wamatta for the collection and storage of 12,098 kilograms of nuts. Exporting 50 MT of processed nuts, with at least 30 tons destined for the US market, was another key objective. While the company has not yet met the sales goal of $240,000 or 17 million Kenyan shillings, progress has been made. A total of 1,213 kilograms have been processed this month, and 5,860 kilograms have been exported to the US customer, America Nut. The company has also made significant strides in creating stable employment for at least 35 staff in the Nairobi factory. A local person has been employed as a consultant to mobilize farmers, and each employee has been provided with a well-defined job description that clearly defines their roles and duties. Furthermore, a total of 3 groups with 65 members have started training, which will continue over the next 4 to 5 months. The company is also working on implementing new technologies and management practices, including the implementation of a food safety system. A Swiss student has presented documentation on food safety systems, and the company is currently working on its implementation. Additionally, the company has established new access to markets, having already exported to its US customer and planning to export to its customer in Europe, PAKKA.