Agriculture

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.

The Government of Makueni County, through the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development (DAFLCD), together with Trademark Africa (TMA), held a meeting to advance the Kilimo Makueni Management Information System (MIS).

The platform is a new digital tool created to make agricultural services easier, faster, and more organized for farmers and officers.

The Kilimo Makueni MIS https://kilimo.makueni.go.ke brings farmer registration, extension services, agricultural programs, farm mapping and management dashboards into one simple and accessible system.

Its main aim is to improve how farmers get information, strengthen field work, and help the county make better decisions using accurate data.

Accompanied by Education and ICT CECM Japheth Mang’oka, Agriculture CECM Liz Muli explained that the platform will give farmers quick access to advice, updates, and county programs.

The CECM noted that extension officers will work more efficiently with digital reporting tools, while partners will use reliable, up-to-date data to strengthen coordination and align their support with county priorities.

With this improved information flow from the field to the Department, the county will also be able to rely on real-time insights to plan better, allocate resources wisely and monitor progress across the agricultural sector.

The meeting was attended by Chief Officers Dr. Victoria Kyallo, Japheth Kiminza, and TMA’s Rachael Wangeci.

Makueni traders are showcasing their innovations at the 25th East African Community (EAC) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Trade Fair taking place at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.

The event, organized by Kenya’s Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) under the State Department for MSMEs, brings together exhibitors from across the region to promote trade, skills exchange and market linkages.

With shifting and unpredictable climate patterns affecting farming output in Makueni, the Department of Trade, Marketing and Industry is championing value addition as a key pathway for resilience and market growth—turning local produce into competitive, high-value products.

One standout exhibitor is Elizabeth Mulika a young agripreneur from Mbumbuni and founder of Lisa Farmer Service Center.

Her enterprise promotes Nyota beans—a high-nutrition, drought-tolerant variety. Through training, access to quality seeds and value-added products such as pre-cooked beans, bean flour and Nyota bean snacks, Elizabeth is empowering smallholder farmers to earn more while improving household nutrition.

Nyota beans are rich in iron and zinc, essential in strengthening immunity and supporting healthy growth.

Makueni’s participation reflects Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s vision of an economically empowered, innovation-driven county.

Makueni County on Friday took a major step toward sustainable agriculture with the official launch of the Makueni Agroecology Policy in Wote, presided over by Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili.

The new policy provides a framework to guide farmers in producing food sustainably while protecting the environment, conserving soil and water, and reducing dependence on expensive chemical inputs.

Agroecology, a farming approach that harmonizes with nature, emphasizes healthy soils, environmental conservation, and improved food and nutrition security through the use of locally available resources.

Mulili emphasized that the county’s future lies in responsible land stewardship, noting that the policy secures livelihoods today while safeguarding future harvests.

The launch, which brought together development partners, county officials, and farmers highlighted Makueni’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and ensuring a resilient, food-secure future for its residents.

The event was also attended by Agriculture CECM Liz Muli and Members of County Assembly drawn from Agriculture Committee led by Francis Mutuku.

Mango is one of the world’s most popular fruits, and Makueni continues to shine as Kenya’s leading mango-growing region.

In 2023, over 70,000 households in Makueni relied on mango farming, contributing more than 75% of the county’s total fruit production and yielding 199,626 metric tons valued at KSh 4.28 billion.

To further strengthen market access and boost the value of mango produce, the Department of Agriculture has embarked in renovations of Kibwezi Horticulture Crop Directorate (HCD) Pack House storage unit.

The renovations are aimed at maintaining high standards of cleanliness, proper ventilation and organized handling processes to guarantee safe and high-quality fruits for global market.

On Thursday, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Liz Muli, visited to inspect the renovations and assess the ongoing mango export initiative.

The export program which is implemented in partnership with TradeMark Africa has so far facilitated the shipment of 114,000 cartons destined for the international market.

Accompanied by Chief Officer Dr. Victoria Kyalo, CECM Muli affirmed that the initiatives are focused on advancing agribusiness and uplifting the economic wellbeing of mango farmers.

With the rains already setting in, timely fertilizer is more crucial than ever for farmers preparing their fields.

The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development has begun delivering subsidized fertilizer to satellite depots, providing farmers with timely support as the planting season gets underway.

This follows an MoU between the County Government and the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to ensure fertilizer reaches farmers closer to their homes.

The distribution is based on local demand and crop acreage to ensure every farming area receives what is needed for the October–November–December season.

This program is prioritizing the distribution of planting fertilizer in the first weeks of November, with Agricultural Extension Officers already on the ground offering guidance to farmers on proper application to boost yields and improve soil health.

Once planting ends, the county will request additional top-dressing fertilizers to strengthen crops through the growth phase.

During the first phase of delivery, fertilizer has already begun reaching Nunguni, Mukuyuni, Kikima and Kasikeu depots, with more scheduled to follow across the county, as farmers are encouraged to visit their nearest depot for guidance and collection

At just 30 years old, Assumpta Mwikali from Mavindini Ward, Makueni County, is rewriting her life story.

Once a street poet and spoken word artist in Nairobi—earning coins from small performances to survive—Assumpta today stands out as a thriving agripreneur whose work is transforming not only her own life but also that of other young people in her community.

Her turning point came when life in the city proved unsustainable, pushing her to return home. Spotted by a Ward Agricultural Officer, she was encouraged to attend a World Food Programme (WFP) training in Naivasha.

That marked the beginning of a new chapter. Soon after, with support from Makueni’s Department of Agriculture, she joined the Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) at Kwa Kathoka to study horticulture production.

Out of this training, she founded Young Farmer Solutions, a youth-led initiative focusing on agroecology, soil health, climate change mitigation and food sovereignty. Her skills caught the attention of Africa Harvest, which contracted her to farm green grams.

The income from that venture enabled her to set up a modern nursery that now produces high-quality seedlings.

Nursery Innovation for a Changing Climate:

Assumpta’s nursery stands out because of its innovative use of soilless media such as vermiculite and cocopeat. This technology produces strong, disease-free seedlings with deep roots that adapt quickly to new environments.

For farmers in arid and semi-arid regions like Makueni, this means seedlings that require less water, grow faster and withstand harsh conditions—boosting food security while helping farmers save on costs.

Through this model, she is not just producing seedlings but also training youths, schools and organizations on climate-smart agriculture.

By demonstrating that agribusiness can be dignified, modern and profitable, she is inspiring a new generation in Mavindini Ward to view farming as a career of choice.

A Community Model of Growth:

Her work goes beyond farming. Assumpta actively participates in Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), a community-based saving model where members make weekly contributions to a shared fund.

This initiative is empowering rural communities to access capital for small businesses without relying on external loans, reducing economic dependence and fostering self-reliance.

Farmer Service Centres – A Bigger Picture:

Assumpta’s story reflects the power of the Farmer Service Centre (FSC) model, a county initiative that identifies gaps in agribusiness, creates demand, links farmers to markets and offers training across various value chains.

She is one of 30 graduates across Makueni County, each pursuing different agricultural enterprises—from livestock, poultry, apiary to fruit processing—underlining the county’s efforts to create youth-led, sustainable farming enterprises.

During a recent tour of her nursery, Makueni CECM for Agriculture, Liz Muli, praised her efforts and encouraged more young people to take up agribusiness.

Speaking with hope, Assumpta shared: “This farm is more than just my livelihood; it’s a second chance at life. With the support of the county and partners, I’ve been able to turn my passion into a solution for young people in my community. My dream is to see every youth believe that agribusiness is not just farming—it is dignity, innovation, and opportunity.”

To keep her agribusiness running, Assumpta has invested in simple but effective water solutions.

Using a water buzzer, she draws water from a nearby river and stores it in a farm pod system that maintains her nursery and a vibrant pawpaw plantation—showcasing how creativity and smart solutions can turn scarcity into sustainable farming.

Looking Ahead:

Assumpta now dreams of constructing and certifying her nursery to ensure even wider access to quality seedlings and opportunities for young farmers.

From a poet with no home to a farmer with a vision, her journey shows that agriculture is not just a livelihood—it is a lifeline, a tool for innovation and a path to community transformation.

Assumpta Mwikali’s inspiring journey from a street poet to a thriving agripreneur reflects the vison of Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. county’s agenda of youth and women empowerment, food security and economic transformation.

Extension officers serve as the vital link between farmers and modern agricultural knowledge, helping communities adopt better practices and improve productivity.

Their work is key in ensuring farmers access expert guidance that translates to higher yields and sustainable livelihoods.

In Makueni County, where farming remains the backbone of the local economy, the County Government has established a strong network of extension officers spread across wards and sub-counties under the directorates of Agriculture, Livestock, and Cooperative Development.

On Wednesday, over 100 extension officers drawn from across the county convened at Kwa Kathoka Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) to deliberate on strategies aimed at strengthening service delivery and promoting modern farming techniques.

By enhancing these critical services, the Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Department has launched a county free-toll-line ( 0800-722 715 )to enable farmers reach extension officers and get technical advise.

Speaking during the meeting, CECM Liz Muli told the officers that the initiative aims to boost agricultural production, raise household incomes and combat food insecurity in line with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr‘s vision.

The meeting reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering farmers and ensuring Makueni continues to thrive as an agricultural hub.