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Agriculture

SACCOs AND FARMER GROUPS TRAINED ON AUTOMATION TO IMPROVE SERVICES.

A total of 22 SACCOs and 13 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Makueni have completed a two-day training on automation and digital record-keeping. The training, completed on Friday, was organized by the Department of Agriculture and facilitated by AMTECH with support from the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).

The training aimed to equip Executive Committee members and bookkeepers with the skills needed to manage financial and member records using a new automated system. Through this system, SACCOs and FPOs will improve the accuracy, efficiency, and transparency of their operations.

Bookkeepers were trained on how to enter data, manage transactions, and keep member records updated using the digital platform.

While addressing the forum, Chief Officer for Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Japheth Kiminza, encouraged the bookkeepers to understand the value of automation and their role in overseeing its implementation.

The new system focuses on key operations such as: registering members, tracking contributions and managing shares, processing loan applications, digitizing past records and moving to the new system.

This initiative is expected to strengthen transparency, improve services, and make management easier for both SACCOs and FPOs.

STIRRING GROWTH: MAKUENI FARMERS REJOIN KENYA’S COFFEE COMEBACK

The dream to revive coffee farming in Makueni is gaining fresh momentum with the new nationwide initiative spearheaded by the Enterprises (MSMEs) Development through cooperative societies.

This move seeks to rejuvenate coffee production in both traditional coffee belts and in emerging regions, which have witnessed a decline in the once-thriving cash crop.

On Wednesday, the New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union (New KPCU) held a sensitization meeting in Mbooni Subcounty, to engage stakeholders on the revival strategy. The event aimed to create awareness, present program objectives, and share best coffee production practices to guide a new era of innovative, sustainable farming.

The meeting that was graced by the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs, FCPA Wycliffe Oparanya, emphasized the government’s commitment to revamping the coffee sector.

“The government is fully invested in supporting coffee farmers by providing certified seedlings, improving market access, and restoring the value chain through vibrant cooperative societies,” said Oparanya. “We are not just bringing coffee back—we are making it profitable for every smallholder farmer.”

The Permanent Secretary for Cooperatives Patrick Kiburi Kilemi echoed these sentiments, highlighting sustainable farming as a cornerstone of the strategy.

“This is not about short-term gains,” the PS said. “We are laying the groundwork for long-term, climate-smart farming that guarantees higher yields, quality beans, and better prices.”

Makueni’s County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture and Cooperative Development,

Joyce Mutua, expressed strong support from the county administration, pledging to work hand-in-hand with the national government to empower local farmers.

“Our farmers are ready, and so are we,” said Mutua. “We are committed to this partnership that promises not only to revive coffee farming in Makueni but to transform livelihoods.”

With renewed planning and practical training on best practices such as proper pruning, timely harvesting, disease management and cooperative marketing, Makueni’s coffee sector could soon reclaim its place on the global map.

KOMEX EYES TO PIONEER DIGITAL AGRICULTURAL TRADING IN MAKUENI.

The Kenya National Multi Commodities Exchange Limited (KOMEX) is set to transform agricultural trading in Makueni through a new digital platform linked to the Warehouse Receipt System.

This was disclosed by a team from KOMEX who paid a courtsy call on Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili on Tuesday.

The digital trading platform is designed to streamline access to markets for both agricultural and non-agricultural commodities. It will also offer essential services such as price discovery, risk management, market information, trade financing, and other trade support systems, creating a more structured and transparent trading environment.

KOMEX, a financial state corporation under the State Department for Trade, is mandated to promote market access and address inefficiencies in commodity trading.

The platform is currently in the onboarding phase, targeting a broad range of stakeholders including farmers, aggregators, cooperatives, traders, warehouse operators, financial institutions, off-takers, service providers, and institutional consumers.

Led by Deputy Director Boniface Makau, the KOMEX delegation commended Makueni for being the leading producer of pulses, particularly green grams, cowpeas, and pigeon peas in the country, key commodities that stand to benefit greatly from the new trading system.

Through the digital platform, farmers will be able to list their produce and preferred selling prices. Buyers can then make direct payments to sellers’ bank accounts within 48 hours, ensuring faster transactions and reducing exploitation by middlemen.

Deputy Governor Mulili emphasized the need for national legislation to expand storage infrastructure in the counties. She noted that inadequate storage facilities often leave farmers vulnerable to exploitation and called for stronger collaboration between national and county governments to address the gap.

GREEN GRAMS OF HOPE: MASONGALENI FARMERS STEP INTO THE GLOBAL MARKET

In the heart of Makueni’s arid Masongaleni Ward, a quiet transformation is unfolding—one green gram at a time. Traditionally grown in semi-arid regions for their resilience and quick maturity, green grams have long served as a reliable crop for farmers in Makueni County. Now, they are becoming symbols of hope and prosperity.

A 100-acre green gram farm in Kikuumini, tended by four pioneering farmers, has become the centerpiece of an initiative targeting European export markets, with Italy as the primary destination.

The project is spearheaded by Grain Connect, an organization committed to bridging smallholder farmers with global markets through sustainable and high-quality production practices. Under the guidance of Grain Connect Director Alessio Colussi, these farmers have been selected to lead the way in producing export-grade green grams.

The initiative is not only aimed at increasing exports, but about empowering local farmers with better farming techniques, improved market access and fairer pricing.

The initiative grants special attention to the quality of the produce, particularly the grain’s sprouting ability, a trait that has piqued interest among European consumers.

During a visit by Agriculture CECM Joyce Mutua on Wednesday, she reaffirmed the county’s commitment to agricultural development by announcing the establishment of a County Green Gram Aggregation Centre; A facility that will ensure the produce meets international hygiene and quality standards, preparing it for export.

“It’s important that we don’t just grow crops, but also grow opportunities,” said Mutua.

So far, 200 acres have been cultivated under the program in Masongaleni Ward, with expansion plans already in motion.

“This partnership is a gateway for our farmers to access global markets and improve their livelihoods.” added the CECM.

MAKUENI COUNTY, TRADEMARK AFRICA INK MOU TO ESTABLISH EXPORT SUPPLY HUB

Makueni County Government has taken a major step towards transforming its horticultural sector by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TradeMark Africa (TMA) to establish an Export Supply Hub (ESH).

The deal, signed on Monday by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr, aims at reducing post-harvest losses, boost international market access and strengthen the region’s position as a top exporter of mangoes, avocados and French beans.

Makueni, one of Kenya’s leading mango producers, harvests approximately 245,000 metric tonnes of the fruit annually, with more than 40% going to waste due to inadequate market access. The newly signed partnership aims to change that by tapping into lucrative global markets, particularly in the European Union (EU).

The ESH, supported under the EU-funded Business Environment and Export Enhancing Programme (EU-BEEEP) and implemented by TMA, will serve as a centralized facility for aggregation, cold storage, processing and packaging. It will also feature digital systems to track produce origin and enhance buyer confidence through full traceability.

Speaking at the event, Governor Kilonzo said the Hub will be a game-changer for farmers and exporters in Makueni and neighboring counties including Machakos, Kajiado and Taita-Taveta.

“The Export Supply Hub will not only reduce losses but also create a sustainable ecosystem that meets international sanitary and phytosanitary standards,” noted the governor.

The facility, which will sit on land provided by the County Government, will integrate a cargo system linked to the Standard Gauge Railway for efficient and sustainable shipments. Aggregation centers across the Makueni and in the region will ensure a steady flow of produce to the Hub, while on-site inspection and certification services will help meet stringent export requirements.

TMA Country Director, Lillian Mwai-Ndegwa, lauded the initiative as a strategic step toward enhancing Kenya’s export readiness.

“This Hub is about much more than market access, but also building resilience, sustainability and competitiveness for our smallholder farmers,” she said.

As part of the agreement signed, farmers will be equipped with the skills and training needed to

meet export market demands through improved production and value addition.

The exercise was also attended by CECM Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Ms. Joyce Mutua, Chief Officers Dr. Victoria Kyalo, Japheth Kiminza, County Solicitor Ms. Jennifer Kyumwa and East Africa Market Development Associates representative Subira Mukami and Eunice Ngina.

KIBOKO ZOOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS AND EFFICACY TRIAL CENTRE, KIBWEZI WEST

TOMATO FARMING IN MAKUENI: A Hidden Agribusiness Gem.

Tomato farming in Makueni holds untapped potential in agribusiness. Given the county’s semi-arid climate, farmers are advised to select disease-resistant seeds to maximize their yields.

In tomato farming, proper land preparation for adequate soil drainage and aeration, combined with regular weeding, minimizes competition for nutrients and water.

While farmers are advised to use organic manure or balanced fertilizers for healthy plant growth, mulching also helps retain soil moisture and control weeds.

As tomatoes mature, staking provides essential support to the plants, helping to prevent fruit rot. Additionally, farmers should practise timely pest and disease control to reduce losses.

Consistent water management practices are essential for irrigation, particularly during dry seasons, and tomatoes should be harvested at the appropriate maturity stage to maximize market value.

On Thursday, Makueni County’s Ward Agricultural Officers (WAOs) completed an intensive three-day training and practical sessions at the Kiboko Zoological Investigations and Efficacy Trial Centre, aimed at enhancing tomato farming practices to increase its productivity.

The training, conducted under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), aimed to equip WAOs with essential knowledge and skills to support tomato farmers.

It covered key areas such as the economic importance of tomato farming, climate-related challenges, seed varieties, selection, and optimal growing conditions for improved productivity.

Participants gained insights into Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and food safety, as well as pest, weed and disease management in tomato farming. The training also focused on soil fertility and water management strategies to maximize yields.

Additionally, the program introduced mechanization solutions tailored for small-scale farmers to enhance efficiency, while also covering value addition, business management and effective techniques for training and supporting farmers in the field.

The WAOs were well-prepared to disseminate knowledge, promote best practices and support farmers in optimizing tomato farming.

This initiative is expected to enhance food security, improve incomes and strengthen the tomato value chain in Makueni County.

MANGO FARMING TRAINING FOR AGRICULTURAL OFFICERS

Mango farming in Makueni has grown into a profitable agribusiness, that has significantly improved the livelihoods of local farmers.

In an effort to boost its production and market access, the County Agriculture Department, in partnership with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), on Thursday completed a three-day training at Makindu for 30 ward agricultural and extension officers.

The training, developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), focused on hands-on practical sessions and a farm visit, emphasizing on modern technologies and best practices to enhance mango farming.

Covering several areas to help improve mango production and value addition, the training introduced Participants to better production techniques, including grafting, pruning, irrigation and fertilization, to boost their yields.

The training also gave an insight on how to manage pests and diseases effectively with a major focus on market access and linkages, post-harvest handling and storage were emphasized to reduce losses and increase profitability.

Further, with respect to the prevailing regional climate, sustainable farming practices were introduced to promote climate resilience and environmental conservation measures with exposure to digital agriculture, where participants learnt the uses of ICT tools for farm management, marketing and accessing extension services.

Lastly, the importance of farmer groups and cooperatives was highlighted, encouraging collective marketing and improving access to financial services.

The trained officers will now pass on this knowledge to farmers in their respective wards, ensuring that mango farming continues to thrive in Makueni.

EARLY WARNING SYSTEM TO HELP MAKUENI FARMERS PLAN FOR MARCH-APRIL-MAY RAINS

The Kenya Meteorological Department, in collaboration with the Agricultural Development Support and Extension (ADSE) and the Makueni County Government, has rolled out an early warning system to help farmers prepare for the upcoming March-April-May (MAM) rain season.

According to weather forecasts, Makueni County is expected to receive between 250mm and 500mm of rainfall, with variations across different wards. Farmers are advised to align their planting strategies with localized rainfall patterns to maximize yields.

To ensure a successful harvest, residents are encouraged to:

*Use certified seeds as recommended.

*Practice proper crop spacing for optimal growth.

*Control weeds, pests, and diseases in a timely manner.

Farmers are urged to stay informed and utilize Agro-climate Advisories to enhance food security and resilience in the face of changing weather patterns.

Those who attended included Jacline Kamusa, Assistant Director of Climate Change, County Forester Damaris Mwikali, the Ward Climate Change Planning Committee, among others.

MAKUENI TO PARTNER WITH CIM TO BOOST FARMER-LED IRRIGATION IN MAKUENI

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday engaged in a productive discussion with Bishop Dr. Titus Masika of Christian Impact Mission (CIM) to explore collaboration on a farmer-led irrigation initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and climate resilience.

CIM, a faith-based development agency, focuses on creating community transformation models and training tools, with a strong emphasis on building resilience against climate change and other environmental challenges.

In partnership with the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), CIM is set to roll out an irrigation project in Marwa, Kiima Kiu/Kalanzoni ward.

The initiative will involve the excavation of 200 farm ponds, each with a minimum capacity of 250m³, targeting a total of 552 hectares. The project is expected to harvest at least 37,500m³ of water per watershed, ensuring sustainable water supply for irrigation.

Once completed, farmers will actively participate by shaping, fencing and dedicating at least one acre each for irrigation.

This piloting initiative is a step geared towards strengthening food security, promoting water conservation, and enhancing climate adaptation for vulnerable communities in the region.

The meeting was also attended by CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Joyce Mutua, as well as Livestock Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza and other county officials.

This collaboration highlights the governor’s commitment to innovative, sustainable agriculture solutions that empower farmers and secure livelihoods in the face of climate change.

HUNDREDS OF KITHUNGO/KITUNDU RESIDENTS ACHIEVE FOOD SECURITY AND INCOME BOOST THROUGH CLIMATE-SMART FARMING INITIATIVE

Residents of Kithungo/Kitundu are reaping the benefits of food sufficiency and increased incomes thanks to Kathambalani irrigation scheme, a project supported by the county government’s innovative green roads water harvesting program.

The scheme utilizes water harvested from a road drift constructed across the Kathambalani stream, which captures substantial volumes of sand and underground water. This water is then channeled to irrigate farmlands, enabling year-round crop production.

During a routine inspection of the project on Wednesday, County Executive Committee Member for Water, Eng. John Kieti, announced plans to allocate funds in the upcoming financial year for the construction of a mega sump and distribution tank so as to reach more residents.

Area MCA Kisungi Katete, who accompanied Eng. Kieti during the inspection, praised the initiative for its positive impact on the community.