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Our Story
From Challenge to Opportunity
From Challenge to Opportunity
For a couple of years, our village in Mutune, Kitui, has faced severe drought conditions, leading to widespread crop failure. Traditionally reliant on maize and beans, local farmers have seen no harvest for two consecutive seasons. The soil, deeply depleted, further exacerbates the challenge, as the cost of essential chemicals and manure remains prohibitive for most.
Amidst these difficulties, a resilient alternative emerged. For three years, sunflower plants cultivated along fences and roadsides consistently thrived. Recognizing this potential, the idea was conceived: introduce sunflower as a viable cash crop, offering farmers a sustainable income for basic necessities like food items and school fees for their children.
This endeavor aligns with the government's push for local cooking oil production and agricultural self-sufficiency.
Today, our community effort has grown significantly, and we have around 600 farmers covering about 1,000 acres who want to grow with us. Our objective is clear and deeply rooted in community: to revitalize farming in our region by instilling hope in farmers and actively supporting Kenya's journey towards producing its own healthy cooking oil.
Our Vision
Our Vision
“We want to encourage farmers, give them hope, and support the government’s vision of having a self-sustaining industry in cooking oil.
If we can make the community sustainable — where farmers can grow, process, and sell their oil — we will have achieved our dream.”
John Mwandia
Founder
Kilovoo Trading Company
Our Process
Our Process
1. Seed Distribution
1. Seed Distribution
Farmers receive seed directly from us, and we keep records of their land size and planting history.
2. Farmer Training
2. Farmer Training
Our field officers visit farms, guide on planting methods, and follow up through the season.
3. Harvest
3. Harvest
Farmers are shown how to identify the right harvest stage and protect crops from birds.
4. Cold-Press Extraction
4. Cold-Press Extraction
Seeds are pressed in our Kitui facility using cold-press machines to retain nutrients.
5. Filtration & Packaging
5. Filtration & Packaging
The oil is filtered, bottled, labeled, and prepared for sale under the Sundrops brand.
Community Impact
Our project was never meant for profit — it was started for farmers to find something that gives them income and dignity.
Farmers are paid cash on delivery for their harvest. Each sale helps families afford food, school fees, and healthcare.
Sundrops Sunflower Oil is locally produced, bottled, and sold in Kitui and beyond, proving that with dedication, communities can sustain themselves and build Kenya’s future — one drop at a time.
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