Agriculture

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.

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.

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.

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.

Led by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr and county leaders, Makindu Showground is alive with innovation as the 2026 Makueni Agricultural & Trade Fair brings together farmers, exhibitors, traders, and innovators for a vibrant showcase of agricultural excellence.

Makueni County has continued to strengthen its dairy sector through the implementation of the Artificial Insemination (AI) Programme, aimed at improving dairy herd genetics, increasing milk production, boosting household incomes, and enhancing food and nutrition security.

The workshop that involved County Veterenary Officers, Dairy Cooperative leaders and Service providers focused on semen quality assurance, supply chain management, breed improvement strategies and data recording and reporting systems.

Speaking during the AI Stakeholders Engagement Workshop, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture Damaris Kavoi said the forum was convened to strengthen coordination among stakeholders and improve the efficiency of AI service delivery across the county.

During the forum, organized dairy groups received grants from the County Government to strengthen their dairy enterprises, enhance productivity, and improve the livelihoods of farming households.

Additionally, participants also reviewed programme performance, shared experiences and lessons learnt, discussed animal health interventions, and evaluated the implementation of the e-Voucher Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination programme.

The meeting was attended by Chief Officers Felistus Mutune and Japheth Kiminza, together with key stakeholders in the dairy value chain.