Agriculture

𝗡𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗶 𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 – A delegation from the Makueni County Government has held a courtesy meeting with H.E. Ambassador Nasra Salim Mohamed Alhashmi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Republic of Kenya, to explore ways of lifting the ban on Kenyan mango exports to Oman and restoring market access for Kenyan mango producers.

The meeting focused on addressing outstanding phytosanitary concerns that led to the suspension of Kenyan mango imports into Oman, particularly concerns relating to mango weevil infestation.

During the engagement, Ambassador Alhashmi emphasised the importance of strengthened collaboration between the two countries, urging the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry to engage relevant stakeholders in resolving the matter and restoring trade relations.

Makueni presented a practical solution, proposing that exports to Oman be sourced from its more than 4,000 hectares of low-pest-pressure mango production zones,with source traceability to ensure that exported mangoes meet the required phytosanitary standards.

The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) confirmed the existence of recognised pest-free production zones in Makueni that could support the initiative.

The Embassy welcomed the market opportunity, highlighting demand for Kenyan mangoes in the Middle East, particularly the Makueni Apple variety. The different mango production seasons in Kenya and Oman also present an opportunity for Kenyan exports to fill supply gaps in the Omani market.

The Governor committed to engaging the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development to address the outstanding issues and unlock programmes necessary to restore market access.

Makueni County technical teams will now work with their counterparts at the Ministry to develop a coordinated action plan towards resolving the phytosanitary concerns and operationalising the proposed export model.

The initiative seeks to restore Kenya’s access to the Omani market, expand opportunities for mango farmers and strengthen bilateral trade between Kenya and Oman.

𝗞𝘄𝗮𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗸𝗮: 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟲𝘁𝗵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 ~ Farmers in Makueni are set to benefit from more effective, practical and technology-driven agricultural training as the county strengthens extension services to boost farm productivity and food security.

On Friday, Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili handed over Digital Agricultural Resource Kits (DarKits), funded by the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), to support Agripreneurs in delivering Technology, Innovations and Management Practices (TIMPs) training across the county.

The kits comprise smart tablets, power banks, backpacks and smart projectors to enhance digital learning, practical demonstrations and the sharing of modern farming knowledge with farmers.

Each ward will receive a tablet, backpack and power bank, while each sub-county will receive a smart projector for shared use across its wards.

Mulili said the initiative would bring agricultural knowledge closer to farmers, accelerate the adoption of modern farming technologies and empower them to increase production, build climate resilience and improve their livelihoods.

The equipment will be used by Agripreneurs under the supervision of ward officers and mentors to strengthen farmer education and promote better farming practices.

The handover meeting was attended by Agriculture CECM Japheth Mang’oka and Senior and technical officers from the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and CooperativeDevelopment.

𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐚, 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐞: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟓𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 ~ Kilome Farmers SACCO has received a KSh1 million matching Grant through the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) to improve liquidity and expand access to affordable agricultural credit for farmers and common interest groups.

The grant, issued under Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s administration, will support the SACCO’s growth, promote savings and improve access to credit, enabling members to invest in productive economic activities and adoption of Technology Innovation Management Practices (TIMPs).

The SACCO has 708 individual members, comprising 362 women and 346 men, alongside 26 registered institutions and 60 active Common Interest Groups.

Speaking during opening of the SACCO office, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr said the programme seeks to strengthen ward-based financial institutions, empower farmers and women, and promote sustainable livelihoods across Makueni County.

The initiative is expected to enhance financial inclusion, strengthen farmers’ economic capacity and support inclusive, community-led development.

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐨𝐮; 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟓𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 ~ Makiou Dairy Farmers Co-operative Society is set for a major boost in dairy production and farmers’ earnings following a KSh5.47 million Enterprise Development Fund grant issued by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr to support solar power installation at its milk cooling centres and construction of an animal feeds centre in Kilome Sub-County.

The investment funded through NAVCDP will lower electricity costs, improve milk preservation and ensure farmers access affordable, quality livestock feeds to sustain production during dry seasons.

Serving 324 registered farmers, the cooperative operates milk cooling centres at Kwakingee and Lumu, alongside a newly established milk collection centre at Kasikeu Market, expanding access to milk collection services.

Governor Mutula said the County Government remains committed to empowering farmer cooperatives through strategic investments that improve productivity, strengthen market access and increase household incomes.

In the event that was attended by Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili, Govenor Mutula further noted that supporting livestock health, affordable feeds and efficient milk handling is key to building resilient dairy enterprises.

𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘄𝗮: 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟱𝘁𝗵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 ~ Thirty farm ponds with a combined capacity of 7,500 cubic metres have been excavated in Marwa, Kilome Sub-County, providing a vital water reserve to support small-scale irrigation during dry spells.

On Thursday, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. inspected different water ponds in Kiima Kiu/Kalanzoni Ward, highlighting their role in strengthening climate resilience, conserving the environment and promoting sustainable farming practices to improve farmers’ livelihoods.

Implemented through NAVCDP by the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, the KSh11.78 million project targets 300 farmers across 936 hectares.

Beyond water harvesting, 30 lead farmers have been trained in climate-smart agriculture, while 11 local youths are engaged in terrace marking targeting 59.4 kilometres to control soil erosion and conserve moisture.

Accompanied by Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili, Governor Mutula called for sustained community participation and responsible management of water and tree resources to secure lasting agricultural gains.

The initiative is expected to improve crop production, strengthen food security and create green jobs.