GOVERNOR MUTULA BACKS SH 2.5 BILLION FRUIT PROCESSING HUB IN MAKUENI TO BOOST MANGO PRODUCE UPTAKE.

Gov. Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has pledged county support for a proposed Sh2.5 billion fruit processing and agribusiness hub expected to boost mango and citrus value addition, create jobs and expand market access for farmers.

Mutula made the commitment Thursday during a consultative meeting with the investors, Agrione Fresh Produce Limited and the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese of Makueni to discuss a strategic partnership for the Makueni Integrated Fruit Processing and Agribusiness Hub.

The project will be developed on a 12-acre site as a phased agro-industrial campus linking farmers to domestic, regional and export markets. It is expected to create about 12,750 jobs while strengthening Makueni’s position as a leading fruit-processing county.

The governor said the county will facilitate land acquisition, improve the investment climate and fast-track approvals to support the project’s implementation. He added that the investment will prioritize local employment, skills transfer and youth training in agriculture.

The county also plans to support the establishment of a container depot in Makindu, strengthen market linkages and promote fair pricing and quality standards to reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmers’ earnings.

Agrione Fresh Produce officials said they selected Makueni because of its strong mango and citrus production, adding that the facility has been designed to meet international food safety standards while allowing for future expansion.

ACK Diocese of Makueni Bishop Francis Matui said the investment would transform livelihoods by creating jobs, expanding markets and driving economic growth. The meeting was also attended by ACK Makueni Investment Committee Chairperson John Paul and County Executive Committee members Japheth Mang’oka, Nicholas Nzioka and Paul Musila.

Once completed, the hub is expected to increase fruit uptake, reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen Makueni’s mango and citrus value chains by connecting farmers to high-value local and export markets.