Agriculture

FARMERS TO GAIN FROM ELIM AGROINFO’S 3rd EXPO IN KIBOKO – MAKUENI

ELIM AGROinfo Academy, an agricultural company based in Kibwezi, Makueni County, is holding its 3rd Farmers Expo on September 10th and 11th, 2025, on a 2-acre farm at Kiboko – Makindu.

In partnership with the County Government’s Department of Agriculture, the expo targets to bring together over 1,500 farmers to learn modern ways of boosting yields through the right seeds, quality inputs and hands-on crop management demonstrations.

The expo will feature over 32 top agricultural companies offering products in seeds, crop nutrition, protection, animal health and financial services designed for farmers to adopt best practices that increase productivity.

This event will also connect farmers, businesses and experts to share knowledge, showcase innovations and create opportunities for profitable farming and agricultural growth in the county and region.

With the unpredictable climate pattern in Makueni, the 2-day expo will also serve as a vital platform equipping farmers with knowledge to make smart, effective and appropriate decisions on their farms.

MAKUENI MANGO FARMERS TO BENEFIT FROM 15,000 FRUIT FLY TRAPS

Makueni mango farmers have received a major boost in the fight against fruit fly infestation after Trademark Africa, with support from the European Union, donated 15,000 fruit fly pheromone traps to the county.

The consignment was officially received on Friday by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who noted that the intervention comes at the peak of mango production season and will help increase yields, reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmers’ incomes.

The traps, which contain pheromones that attract fruit flies to a biopesticide killing chamber, offer an environmentally friendly solution.

Unlike excessive pesticide use, which is harmful to human health and the environment, the traps provide safe and sustainable control of the destructive pest.

Speaking during the handover, Mulili, accompanied by Agriculture CECM Elizabeth Muli, appreciated the partnership with Trademark Africa in empowering farmers, creating jobs and driving Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s agenda of boosting agricultural productivity.

The event was also attended by Trademark Africa’s Program Manager for Business Competitiveness, Samuel Konzolo.

MAKUENI FRUIT AUTHORITY WELCOMES NEW CEO

The Makueni County Fruit Development and Marketing Authority has received Joseph Kioko as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Kioko formerly Managing Director of Kenya Planters Co-operative Union Ltd (KPCU) takes over from Agnes Kitili, who has been serving in an acting capacity.

In driving the authority’s mission, the new CEO is expected to transform the livelihoods of fruit farmers across Makueni by ensuring stable mango prices and reducing post-harvest losses.

The Thursday onboarding was witnessed by Elizabeth Muli, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, who expressed confidence that the new CEO will strengthen the county’s fruit sector and boost farmers’ incomes.

The authority remains a key driver in positioning Makueni as a leader in fruit production and marketing, providing farmers with fair returns while securing the future of the county’s mango industry.

MAKUENI FARMERS TO BENEFIT FROM SUBSIDIZED SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Farmers in Makueni County are set to benefit from 6 metric tonnes of sunflower seed under the Edible Oil Crops Promotion Project (EOCPP) subsidy programme.

In a capacity building forum held on Wednesday by the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development (DALFCD) in collaboration with the Agriculture and Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), the Sub-County and Ward Agricultural Officers were sensitized on plans to scale up sunflower farming across the county.

Through the initiative, AFA has allocated 6 tonnes of Kenya Fedha sunflower seeds, sourced from the Kenya Seed Company ltd, to be distributed to farmers at a subsidized rate. Under the model, farmers will buy one kilogram of seed at Ksh. 385 and get an additional kilogram free.

The programme aims to boost edible oil crop value chains, increase farmer incomes and promote local production of cooking oil in line with the county’s agricultural transformation agenda.

FAO PARTNERS WITH MAKUENI TO BOOST LIVESTOCK FEED PRODUCTION

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) intends to partner with Makueni County to roll out a five-year project aimed at transforming livestock feed production and creating opportunities for young people.

During a courtesy call to Deputy Governor H.E DG-Makueni Lucy Mulili on Tuesday, the FAO team introduced the initiative—CASHA (Creating Shared Value in the Livestock Sector with Young People in Kenya’s ASALs)—which will run in 15 counties, including Makueni.

The project is set to benefit over 2,000 youth across the County by promoting sustainable fodder production, agribusiness and commercialization of livestock feeds.

Mulili welcomed the initiative, highlighting the critical role livestock plays in the livelihoods of Makueni households.

She noted that the project will enhance farmer incomes, create jobs for youth and women, and contribute to food and nutrition security in the county.

The program also integrates climate-smart practices to build resilience and ensure environmental sustainability.

MAKUENI FARMERS SET TO LEARN THROUGH DEMO PLOTS

The County Department of Agriculture on Monday held a sensitization forum for extension officers on the establishment and management of Ward Agriculture Demonstration Plots.

The one-day training focused on step-by-step guidance in key value chain sectors—apiculture, mango, poultry, tomato and dairy—aimed at equipping officers to better guide farmers on improved farming practices.

Speaking during the session, CECM Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Liz Muli, emphasized the importance of standardized procedures, clear timelines, and defined responsibilities in setting up demo plots.

“These demonstration sites will serve as practical classrooms where farmers can learn hands-on modern farming methods,” she noted.

The project will set up demonstration farms in every ward across the county, totalling 120 demos: 26 in apiculture, 22 in dairy, 24 in mango, 29 in poultry and 19 in tomato.

Funded by National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project, the initiative aims to promotes efficiency, accountability and transparency while strengthening knowledge transfer to farmers.

Once fully implemented, the program will enhance food security, create employment and economically empower farming households across the county.

MANGO FARMERS GET TIPS TO SAVE MANGO YIELDS

Mango farmers in Makueni are facing hurdles that threaten their harvests, especially during flowering and fruiting.

Flower and fruit abortion, blights, mildews and pests such as thrips, mites, mango weevil, mealybugs and fruit flies have been major setbacks.

On Wednesday, farmers in Mavindini ward attended a training session on how to manage these challenges.

Experts from Greenlife Company guided them on using fungicides with azoxystrobin and difenconazole to control blights and mildews, while pesticides with thiomexam and labdacyalothrin were recommended to fight off pests.

Additionally, to reduce flower and fruit abortion, farmers were urged to spray foliar fertilizers rich in Zinc and Boron. They were also encouraged to adopt irrigation methods to ensure their mangoes reach the market at the right time.

The session, attended by Livestock and Cooperative Development Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza, Mavindini MCA Jonathan Kimongo, Mango exporters and financial institutions, is a timely intervention during the mango flowering season.

The sensitization is expected to boost farmer knowledge and improve mango harvests across the county.

GROWING HOPE AT THE MAKUENI AGRI SHOW: ONE HARVEST, ONE LIFE AT A TIME

Arabuko Limited is a company which is a leading supplier of fresh farm produce to homes, institutions and businesses, that not only helps Kenyans eat healthier, but also building a stronger, more inclusive agricultural sector.

In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, Arabuko launched the Aggregator Enhancement Program (AEP) to support young small-scale farmers and aggregators across Kenya.

With the help of county youth department, Arabuko equips youth with skills, resources and market access that drive sustainable livelihoods in agriculture.

One inspiring story shared during the Makueni Agricultural and Trade Fair is that of Felisters Katiku, a 24-year-old from Kambi Mawe. Though living with a physical disability, Felisters has become a shining example of strength and determination.

With support from Arabuko Limited and the County Government of Makueni, Felisters received training in modern farming, along with quality seedlings (kale, spinach, and managu), cone bags, farm tools and water tanks. Today, she is growing her own fresh vegetables and building a brighter future—one harvest at a time.

With hard work and the right support, Felisters turned her small vegetable garden into a success story. What started as a few seedlings has now grown into a steady source of food for her family. Even better, she sells the extra vegetables and earns some income.

Her garden is now more than just a farm; it’s a symbol of hope. Felisters’ determination is inspiring others in her community to believe that they too can grow, succeed and change their lives.

Felisters’ story is a proof that when the county government invests in its residents—especially youth and persons living with disabilities, the government unlock potential that transforms communities.

With focus on youth, similar partnerships by the county Government of Makueni County go beyond business into creating real jobs, real change and a healthier, more empowered county.

MAKUENI UNVEILS CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE INITIATIVES AT MAKINDU TRADE FAIR

Makueni County has reaffirmed its commitment to climate-smart agriculture as a key pillar for food security and economic growth.

The pledge was made on Friday during the official opening of the Makueni Agriculture Ambitions and Trade Fair at Makindu Showground, presided over by Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili.

Mulili outlined the county’s strategy under Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr’s administration, which prioritizes the adoption of resilient technologies and practices such as drought-tolerant crops, water harvesting, conservation agriculture, and digital advisory services for farmers.

As part of its efforts, the county is partnering with the national government through the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).

The project supports the application of technologies, innovations, and modern management practices across key agricultural value chains including dairy, poultry, beekeeping, mango, and tomato farming.

She highlighted how the program is enabling farmers to embrace modern, climate-resilient techniques, ranging from improved livestock breeds and disease management to post-harvest handling and market access through digital platforms.

To further consolidate these gains, the county has revamped its extension services to adopt a farmer-centered, proactive model.

Mulili also announced the rollout of a Financially Led Climate Action initiative, which equips farmers with practical knowledge and skills to implement climate-resilient practices tailored to their specific local conditions.

In a major boost to the region’s agri-processing capacity, the DG revealed that the Makindu grain processing plant is now operational and ready to handle pulses.

The facility aims to reduce post-harvest losses, promote value addition, and produce market-ready products for both domestic and export markets.

During the event, Lower Eastern ASK Chairperson Lawrence Matolo stated that discussions are underway to formally include the Makindu show in the Agricultural Society of Kenya’s annual calendar.

The event was also attended by County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, several Members of County Assembly, and senior county officials.

KALONGO COLD STORE NEARS LAUNCH AS GOVERNOR MUTULA LEADS FINAL INSPECTION

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Thursday led an inspection of the nearly-complete Kalongo Cold Store and Pack House during his development tour in Kilungu Ward.

The facility, now 95% ready for commissioning, features a modern cold store designed to preserve farm produce like fruits and vegetables, reducing post-harvest losses and extending freshness.

Once operational, the Pack House will serve as a key aggregation centre, where farmers can bulk their produce for easier market access, value addition, and better prices.

With similar Cold Stores in Tulimani and Kavuthu, farmers will be able to keep produce fresh, fetch premium prices and thrive in a competitive market both locally and internationally.