EU TO SUPPORT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF EXPORT SUPPLY HUB FOR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN MAKUENI COUNTY

The European Union, in partnership with two entities, Trademark Africa and Rootooba, and Makueni County Government hosted a stakeholder meeting on Thursday to plan for the creation of an export supply hub for fruits and vegetables in Makueni County.

The proposed export hub in Makueni is part of a nationwide initiative to establish three hubs.

It is intended to serve as a central facility for processing, packaging and exporting fresh produce from neighboring counties, including Kitui, Machakos, Taita Taveta and Kajiado.

Speaking during the consultative forum, Makueni’s Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development CECM Joyce Mutua noted that the hub will help local farmers by improving access to larger markets, offering better prices and boosting their income through increased export opportunities.

Mutua says the initiative aims at streamlining the agricultural supply chain by ensuring that the produce meets international market standards while facilitating efficient distribution to global markets.

Trademark Africa Director for Standards Dr. Andrew Edewa praised Makueni County for its collaboration in establishing the hub, emphasizing that the facility will be a transformative asset for local farmers.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders including representatives from KEPHIS, TradeMark Africa, Farmer Producer Company, JKUAT, Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya, exporters and farmers to discuss challenges in current agricultural practices, ways to improve market compliance and explore collaboration opportunities.

The forum was also attended by Kajiado CECM for Trade and Investment, Leah Marias and Taita Taveta Chief officer for Trade, Nashon Nyali among other representatives.