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Agriculture

𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬.

𝐖𝐎𝐓𝐄: 𝑆𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 22𝑛𝑑, 2026 – As Makueni’s mango season approaches, the County Government is positioning farmer cooperatives to turn collective strength into better markets, stronger bargaining power and improved returns for farmers.

The County Cooperative Development Directorate on Tuesday brought together 56 leaders from 28 cooperatives for a sensitisation forum focused on strengthening cooperatives as reliable vehicles for aggregation and marketing of farmers’ produce.

During the forum, cooperative leaders were equipped with skills on governance, leadership, management and compliance, alongside quality mango production, aggregation and marketing opportunities.

Further, they also reviewed preliminary mango market survey findings, pre-qualification requirements for supplying mangoes to Makueni County Fruit Development and Marketing Authority, and quality standards required by the processor.

The forum, attended by Chief Officers Kinns Mwania and Joseph Ndolo, also exposed cooperative leaders to financing opportunities through MCEF, AFC and Cooperative Bank, further strengthening the county’s drive to connect Makueni farmers with markets beyond the county.

𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐝.

𝑀𝑏𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑖, 18𝑡ℎ 𝑆𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 2026 – Thousands of Makueni households are set for a stronger planting season as the County Government rolls out certified maize seeds under Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s household empowerment agenda.

Through the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, 8,372 farmers across four subcounties will receive 16.744 tonnes of certified maize seed, funded at KSh10 million.

Launched on Friday at Kithumani Market in Mbitini Ward by Agriculture CECM Damaris Kavoi, the initiative responds to priorities identified by residents during public participation and aims to strengthen food security, farm incomes and the grain value chain.

Each farmer will receive a 2kg packet, supporting maize production across an estimated 670 hectares and potentially yielding about 1,500 tonnes of maize.

The launch brought together Devolution CECM Nicholas Nzioka, Mbitini MCA Benard Mutua, Thange MCA Eric Katumo and Nzioki King’ola among other County officials.

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐢 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬.

𝐖𝐎𝐓𝐄, 𝟏𝟏𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – Makueni County is stepping up efforts to strengthen the mango value chain by bringing farmers, cooperatives, exporters, processors, offtakers and regulators together to tackle persistent market and production challenges.

The stakeholder forum was organised by the Department of Agriculture in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA) and brought together representatives of 22 mango farmer cooperatives across the county, exporters, local offtakers, processors, KEPHIS, HCD and officers from the Departments of Agriculture, Trade and Devolution.

The discussions focused on traceability, quality standards, cooperative capacity, market linkages and the role of mango marketing agents, with stakeholders seeking practical solutions to improve the competitiveness of Makueni mangoes.

Addressing the forum, County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi emphasised that quality must remain at the heart of the mango business. He urged cooperatives to strengthen farmer records, better understand their membership and mobilise more farmers into organised groups to enhance traceability and collective marketing.

The stakeholders agreed that cooperatives should assess their capacity to aggregate and transport mangoes directly from farms, while maintaining continuous engagement with exporters and offtakers. Contract farming was also identified as a key pathway towards creating more predictable markets and reducing uncertainty for farmers.

Dr. Kyambi noted that the County Government is pursuing new opportunities to expand mango markets, including a recent delegation to Oman to explore potential export markets.

Agriculture Chief Officer Kinns Mwania urged farmers and cooperatives to make full use of available pack houses while ensuring that mangoes meet required quality and handling standards.

The forum marked a renewed push for stronger collaboration across the mango value chain, with stakeholders committing to ensure that Makueni mangoes reach markets in the right quality, quantity and condition; and at better returns for farmers.

𝐌𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has concluded a development tour of Mavindini Ward, highlighting progress in water provision and agricultural empowerment while addressing residents’ concerns over the Thwake Dam project.

Mutula said the Athi-Mavindini Water Project is now supplying water to Mavindini Market, improving access to water for residents and businesses.

He urged farmers to join cooperatives and take advantage of county agricultural programmes to access loans, strengthen their enterprises and increase their incomes.

Residents raised concerns over the assessment and compensation of families affected by the construction of Thwake Dam.

Mutula said he had taken up the matter with the National Land Commission and would push for proper assessment and rightful compensation of those affected.

The governor said his administration would continue implementing projects aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities in Mavindini Ward.

GOVERNOR MUTULA MOVES TO RESTORE LOST MIDDLE EAST MANGO MARKET.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has announced plans to restore the county’s lost mango export market in the Middle East after concerns over chemical residues and seed bugs in exported mangoes disrupted access to the market during the previous mango season.

Speaking on Tuesday when Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Kipronoh Ronoh paid him a courtesy call at his office, Governor Mutula said the county was working with the national government to address export challenges and reopen lucrative markets, particularly in Oman.

PS Ronoh said the Ministry of Agriculture was committed to partnering with Makueni County to ensure farmers benefit from improved market access, compliance with export requirements, and enhanced value for their produce.

The leaders also discussed plans to expand commercial agriculture in the county through the distribution of coffee seedlings to farmers in Makueni’s highlands, alongside sunflower and cotton seeds to promote crop diversification.

The initiatives are aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, creating new income opportunities for farmers, and strengthening Makueni’s agricultural economy.

MAKUENI BREAKS GROUND FOR SH90 MILLION KENYA SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE CAMPUS.

Construction of a Sh90 million Kenya School of Agriculture (KSA) campus in Makueni County began Tuesday, with leaders saying the institution will strengthen agricultural training, create jobs and position the county as a regional hub for modern farming.

The Makueni campus, the 10th branch of the Kenya School of Agriculture, will serve the Lower Eastern region and is expected to open its first phase by November.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony at Kwakathoka, Makueni Gov. Mutula Kilonzo Jr. described the project as a major investment in the county’s people, particularly youth and farmers, amid rising demand for agricultural skills.

The governor said the institution would become a center for innovation, research and technology transfer, helping farmers adopt modern agricultural practices to address climate change and changing market demands.

He said the project would also stimulate the local economy by creating jobs during construction and operation, supporting local businesses and attracting investment into the county.

Mutula urged the contractor to prioritize local labor and locally available construction materials to maximize economic benefits for residents.

Principal Secretary for Agriculture Paul Kipronoh Ronoh said the project was made possible after sustained lobbying by the county government through the State Department for Agriculture.

Ronoh commended Mutula for his hands-on approach to development, saying the partnership demonstrated the importance of collaboration between the national and county governments.

He said sustainable agricultural development remains critical to Kenya’s economic growth and urged young people and farmers to embrace agriculture as a viable economic enterprise through a change in mindset.

He added that students enrolled at the institution would have an opportunity to benefit from an existing partnership with the United Kingdom government that offers paid agricultural internship opportunities abroad.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Ag. County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Damaris Kavoi, County Executive Committee Member for ICT, Education and Internship Japheth Musyoka Mang’oka, Muvau/Kikumini MCA Elizabeth Kawembe Mutinda, Thange MCA Erick Musyoki Katumo and other county and national government officials.

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.

DEPUTY GOVERNOR LUCY MULILI URGES FARMERS TO EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY AND VALUE ADDITION

Makueni Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili has urged farmers to embrace modern farming technologies, innovation, and value addition to enhance agricultural productivity, improve household incomes, and strengthen food security across the county.

Speaking during the second day of the 2026 Makueni Agricultural and Trade Fair at Makindu Showground on Friday, Mulili said empowering households with practical farming knowledge, modern technologies, and market-driven production is key to building resilient families and creating sustainable livelihoods.

She noted that the annual exhibition continues to provide a valuable platform where farmers interact with experts, learn modern agricultural practices, access quality farm inputs, and explore new market opportunities that can transform farming into a profitable enterprise.

The exhibition showcased a wide range of innovations and household-focused farming practices, including climate-smart agriculture, poultry production, apiculture (beekeeping), kitchen gardening, agroecological farming, livestock management, farm mechanization, irrigation technologies, value addition, agribusiness solutions, financial services, and agricultural research aimed at boosting food production and environmental sustainability.

Mulili further commended development partners, exhibitors, and agricultural stakeholders for their continued investment in innovative solutions that are empowering farmers, improving productivity, and strengthening agricultural value chains across the region.

She also applauded the vibrant entertainment that accompanied the exhibition, congratulating the upcoming musicians who graced the event for their outstanding performances and encouraging them to continue nurturing their talents.

The event brought together county leaders, government officials, farmers, exhibitors, development partners, and stakeholders from Makueni, Kitui, and Taita Taveta counties to showcase innovations in agriculture, livestock production, agribusiness, and value addition, while promoting knowledge exchange and regional collaboration in the agricultural sector.

SMART FARMING INNOVATIONS STEAL THE SHOW AT MAKUENI TRADE FAIR

Innovation, technology and agribusiness opportunities came alive as the 2026 Makueni Agricultural and Trade Fair officially opened at Makindu Showground, with climate-smart farming and value chain development emerging as the major attractions for hundreds of farmers, investors and trade enthusiasts.

On the first day of the show, exhibitors showcased modern farming technologies, climate-smart farming practices, quality seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation systems, farm machinery, livestock production technologies, value addition, post-harvest handling, financial services, agribusiness solutions and locally manufactured products.

Speaking during the official opening of the three-day exhibition, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Makueni as a leading agricultural powerhouse through investment in smart farming, value chain development and market access.

The innovations are aimed at increasing awareness on productivity, reducing production costs, enhancing food security and creating sustainable income opportunities for farmers.

Mutula further expressed confidence that the county is steadily earning its place among Kenya’s top agricultural producers, with the sector playing a key role in improving household incomes and driving economic growth.

These exhibitions features latest agricultural technologies, certified seeds, modern irrigation systems, farm machinery, livestock innovations, quality agrochemicals, greenhouse technologies, post-harvest solutions, value addition, financial and insurance services, agribusiness advisory, trade innovations and locally manufactured products.

Additionally, the innovations are empowering farmers to boost productivity, reduce losses, improve food security and unlock profitable markets.

The first-day ceremony that culminated with awarding of stunning exhibitors brought together County Executive Committee Members led by acting Agriculture CECM Damaris Kavoi, Members of the County Assembly led by Majority Leader Kisungi wa Katete, national government representatives, development partners, exhibitors and local leaders, all united in advancing agriculture as the engine of Makueni’s economic transformation.