MAKUENI TARGETS STRONGER MANGO MARKETS AHEAD OF 2025 PEAK SEASON

With Kenya producing about 650,000 metric tonnes of mangoes annually, Makueni continues to stand out with an estimated 183,891 metric tonnes harvested in the 2024 season—affirming its position as one of the country’s leading mango hubs.

To strengthen this key sector, the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development partnered with Trademark Africa (TMA)—an EU-funded agency that supports fair trade and improved market access—and convened a two-day forum bringing together farmers, marketing agents and exporters.

The meeting aimed to streamline fair pricing across all levels of the mango value chain, link farmers with credible buyers, and organise producers by region to ease bulk collection and improve market coordination.

Speaking during the Thursday session, Agriculture CECM Liz Muli urged farmers to follow proper mango handling practices, noting that good post-harvest care is essential for meeting export standards.

With improved mango handling, stronger market linkages and fair pricing structures, farmers will be positioned to reap meaningful benefits from their orchards.

The Makueni’s sweet mango output includes 30.9 million kgs for farm consumption, 76.4 million kgs for urban markets, and 5.5 million kgs for export, reflecting its growing economic potential.

The attendance Chief Officers Japheth Kiminza and Dr. Victoria Kyallo underscored the county’s commitment—driven by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr‘s vision—to advancing economic empowerment and improving household incomes across Makueni.