The Governor of Meru County, Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia, has announced a new initiative aimed at producing organic hair using banana stems, a move he says will create jobs, support farmers, and reduce reliance on imported synthetic hair products.

Speaking during the Ushirika Day celebrations at MCK Kaaga Grounds, the governor revealed that the county government has already acquired equipment to support the project and has identified several sites for processing plants across Meru.

According to him, the initiative will transform banana waste, which is often discarded after harvest, into biodegradable hair products, thereby creating a new value chain for local farmers and promoting environmental sustainability.

Mutuma also made controversial remarks suggesting that some imported synthetic hair products from Europe and other regions may be linked to cancer and skin diseases, though he did not provide scientific evidence to support these claims.

He further argued that synthetic hair contributes to environmental pollution because it is not biodegradable, unlike the proposed organic alternative that would decompose naturally and even be usable as manure after disposal.The county government plans to produce hair in multiple colours, including black, white, red, and yellow, to meet consumer preferences.

Processing centres are expected to be set up in Kaguru Farmers Training Centre, Maua Polytechnic, and Thangatha to ensure farmers from different regions such as Mitunguu, Nyambene, and Tigania can easily supply banana stems.The project is also positioned as part of a wider strategy to boost local manufacturing, reduce waste, and strengthen agricultural income streams.However, the health-related claims about synthetic hair remain contentious and unverified within the report.