The government will not close Persea Oils and Orchard avocado processing company in Murang'a County over environmental degradation concerns, rather will help it comply.

The company that is based in Kandara constituency besides directly employing 150 people, it also indirectly employs more than 100,000 others besides paying millions of taxes to both Murang'a and national governments.

Residents have occasionally held public protests, accusing the company of directing foul smelling effluent to agricultural private farms, and using noisy machines that vibrate in a manner that risks neighbouring buildings with collapse.

A July 2024  government valuation report claimed that 20 acres of land had been destroyed by effluent from the plant, affecting 76 farmers whose accrued loss was estimated at Sh5 million in damaged crops.

Kandara sub-County Deputy County Commissioner Mr Peter Maina said “the plant is a victim of lack of sewerage infrastructure”.

“The concerns raised by the residents are genuine. The plant is also an economic asset in nation building. We are looking on how best to make the plant coexist with neighbours without acrimony,” Mr Maina said.

He revealed that a multi-agency team has been put in place to lead remedial action that will see the plant comply with regulatory standards.