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Agriculture

CHILLI FARMING SPARKS AGRIBUSINESS GROWTH

In a move to champion agribusiness as a driver for economic growth, the Agriculture Department is spotlighting chilli farming as a game-changing opportunity for local farmers in Makueni County.

During a visit to Mwisa village in Kathozweni Ward on Tuesday, Agriculture CECM Ms. Joyce Mutua commended how Robert Kiamba has turned his four-acre farm into a thriving chilli business harvesting 4.8 tonnes of red and green chillies each week, earning Ksh. 250 per kilogram.

During the visit, Mutua applauded the dedication and innovative farming techniques. “Farming today is more than tradition—it’s a business with the power to uplift communities. Farmers must embrace market diversification locally and globally,” she said.

Robert’s success story has become a source of inspiration for fellow farmers in the region.

With the County Government’s support to farmers on agricultural extension services, chilli farming is becoming an impressive and promising venture for farmers offering high returns.

GOVERNOR MUTULA LAUNCHES STATE-OF-THE-ART HORTICULTURAL AGGREGATION CENTER AND PACKHOUSE IN WOTE.

Makueni County has taken a monumental step towards transforming its agricultural sector with the official launch of an Horticultural Aggregation Center and Packhouse by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.

The facility is set to enhance the processing, packaging and marketing of mangoes for both export and local markets.

Strategically located near the Wote Police Station, the facility is set to revolutionize the mango value-chain in the county and serve as a central collection point for mangoes from local farmers, reducing post-harvest losses. It will also provide exporters with direct access to high-quality produce.

Export mangoes will fetch Ksh. 12 per piece, while mangoes for the local market will attract between Ksh. 15 and Ksh. 19 per kilo, ensuring fair prices for farmers.

Farmers have been advised to notify their ward agriculture officers or ward administrators when their mangoes are ready for harvesting. This initiative will facilitate seamless linkage with buyers, maximizing profits for farmers.

The aggregation center is equipped to handle large quantities of mangoes, ensuring efficient sorting, grading and packaging for local and international markets.

The initiative is expected to boost incomes for farmers by providing a direct link to exporters, who previously faced logistical challenges in sourcing quality produce from the region.

For any enquiries, please contact Mr. William Mwangi the agriculture officer in charge through 0756395050.

Makueni Launches Key Publications to Enhance Data-Driven Development and Accountability

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday launched key publications aimed at advancing data-driven decision-making and accountability.

Governor Mutula presided over the unveiling of the County Indicator Handbook for the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023-2027, the sixth edition of the County Statistical Abstract (CSA-2024), and the first-ever Ward Development Profiles.

The newly launched Indicator Handbook provides a comprehensive set of metrics to assess progress on the county’s development agenda, while the CSA-2024 enhances access to critical data for informed decision-making.

The Governor also highlighted the county’s innovative Projects Monitoring and Tracking System (PMTS), a digital platform that allows stakeholders and citizens to monitor the status of county programs and projects in real time. The system, accessible via the county’s website, fosters transparency and provides a channel for public feedback.

Governor Mutula revealed that additional modules are being incorporated into the PMTS to improve its analytical capabilities and usability. “These enhancements, combined with annual data series developed in collaboration with Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), ensure that we have accurate, updated, and actionable data to guide our policies and accountability efforts,” he noted.

The Ward Development Profiles, another key publication, offer a detailed assessment of programs and projects implemented in specific wards over the past two years. Verified by the community and decentralized government staff, the profiles reflect the county’s commitment to grassroots involvement in development planning and assessment.

The Governor urged citizens to actively participate in the county’s development journey. “Development starts with local action. Together, we can build a brighter future for Makueni County.”

The event was also attended by Director Abdulkadir Amin Awes, representing the Director General of the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics; Deputy County Commissioner Rashid Kwanya, representing the County Commissioner; Makueni County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, Finance, Agriculture and Devolution CECMs Damaris Kavoi, Joyce Mutua and Nicholas Nzioka respectively.

MAKUENI COUNTY TO UNVEIL MANGO MARKETING FRAMEWORK TO PROTECT FARMERS

Makueni, Wote 12th December 2024.

Makueni County is developing a Mango Fruit marketing framework to protect Farmers and ensure proper pricing for the crop.

Governor Mutula Jr says the County has rolled out a series of Business to Business (B2B) meetings involving value-chain stakeholders such as lead farmers and off -takers where a framework for marketing has been developed.

“Beginning this Friday, Ward meetings are going to begin to create awareness on quantities to be off taken by different off takers, pricing and mode of payment”.

He called upon farmers to actively participate and ensure their concerns are noted and addressed through the process.

“We will say no to bad prices, and brokers,” Mutula emphasized.

The Governor was speaking while presiding over Jamhuri Day Celebrations at Unoa Grounds in Wote.

The governor outlined his government’s commitment on developing Agriculture in the county.

He also presented Ksh. 6 million to six Ward-based Saccos as part of the ongoing National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) where the government seeks to empower 156,000 farmers with skills and resources across key value chains including mangoes, apiculture, tomatoes, dairy and poultry.

County Commissioner Duncan Darusi warned locals against vandalizing critical government infrastructure saying those involved will be dealt with.

Also in attendance were Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, County Secretary Dr Justus Kyambi and other top County officials.

GOVERNOR MUTULA LAUDS MAKUENI’S YOUNG INDUSTRIALISTS

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has commended Makueni’s budding Industrialists, saying they present the county an opportunity for accelerated economic growth.

He spoke on Tuesday during the commissioning of a new animal feeds processing factory at Kwa Kathoka owned by BEFA FEEDS, a local feeds processing company.

The company is owned by young people, who have taken feeds processing to another level, taking on the industrial giants.

BEFA FEEDS Chief Executive Officer Faith Mumo said the company was borne in 2022 as a solution to the high cost of feeds, some of which were of low quality, orchestrating huge losses to farmers.

The company produces all livestock feeds with raw materials sourced from locals.

The company is credited for promoting fish farming in Makueni through quality fish feed. Governor Mutula has pledged support for young people to progress manufacturing in a bid to create jobs.

The event was attended by among others Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu, Devolution CEC Nicholas Nzioka and Chief Officers Felisters Mutune and Japheth Kiminza

USAID PARTNERS WITH MAKUENI COUNTY TO BOOST REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Local Food Systems program, has joined hands with the County Government of Makueni to promote regenerative and conservation-based agricultural practices in the county.

The initiative, targeting 5,000 households, aims to enhance agricultural productivity, increase profitability, and uplift household incomes.

One of the program’s success stories is Georgina Musyoki, an early adopter who earned Ksh 350,000 from her 5-acre farm in 2023. Her achievements highlight the potential of regenerative agriculture to transform livelihoods in Makueni.

To celebrate the program’s success and its transformative impact, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday hosted visiting USAID’s Deputy Assistant Administrator for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security, Mia Beers at Muvau ward. Beers is visiting from Washington DC.

The visit underscores the shared commitment to advancing sustainable farming practices for long-term food security and resilience.

USAID ENVIRONMENT AND FOOD SECURITY BOSS VISITS MAKUENI FOR A TOUR OF JOINT WATER PROJECTS

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. hosts USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Resilience, Environment and Food Security Mia Beers for a development tour of Makueni.

The envoy is touring water projects developed by USAID through STAWI in partnership with the Makueni County Government to appreciate their community impact.

The projects include Kaiti 2 water project set to provide water to residents of Sarova area near Wote for domestic use and micro- irrigation. Others are solarizarization of Mwaani borehole and construction of a 300 cubic meters treatment sump at Kamunyolo.

The projects are meant to increase access to clean potable water for Wote town and water for climate smart farming to enhance food security.

EU TO SUPPORT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF EXPORT SUPPLY HUB FOR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN MAKUENI COUNTY

The European Union, in partnership with two entities, Trademark Africa and Rootooba, and Makueni County Government hosted a stakeholder meeting on Thursday to plan for the creation of an export supply hub for fruits and vegetables in Makueni County.

The proposed export hub in Makueni is part of a nationwide initiative to establish three hubs.

It is intended to serve as a central facility for processing, packaging and exporting fresh produce from neighboring counties, including Kitui, Machakos, Taita Taveta and Kajiado.

Speaking during the consultative forum, Makueni’s Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development CECM Joyce Mutua noted that the hub will help local farmers by improving access to larger markets, offering better prices and boosting their income through increased export opportunities.

Mutua says the initiative aims at streamlining the agricultural supply chain by ensuring that the produce meets international market standards while facilitating efficient distribution to global markets.

Trademark Africa Director for Standards Dr. Andrew Edewa praised Makueni County for its collaboration in establishing the hub, emphasizing that the facility will be a transformative asset for local farmers.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders including representatives from KEPHIS, TradeMark Africa, Farmer Producer Company, JKUAT, Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya, exporters and farmers to discuss challenges in current agricultural practices, ways to improve market compliance and explore collaboration opportunities.

The forum was also attended by Kajiado CECM for Trade and Investment, Leah Marias and Taita Taveta Chief officer for Trade, Nashon Nyali among other representatives.

GOVERNOR MUTULA FLAGS OFF COFFEE SEEDLINGS TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO FARMERS IN MAKUENI COUNTY.

Makueni County has released 8,000 coffee seedlings to be distributed to farmers for planting this rainy season. Another 16,000 seedlings will be released to farmers from next week.

Flagging off the consignment to be distributed to co-operative societies in Kikima, Mbooni Sub -County, Kithangathini in Kaiti, Masokani and Kithumani in Makueni Sub County, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. urged more farmers to consider planting coffee as prices world were going up. Makueni is one of the 33 counties that produce coffee.

He said the County planned to support farmers by training them on all aspects of coffee production including milling to increase its coffee production by 2.5 metric tonnes in the next two years.

Governor Kilonzo also directed the Department of Agriculture to establish demonstration farms in areas where there are coffee factories to train farmers on modern ways of farming. Currently, there are 20,000 registered coffee farmers in the county.

He said the County was working closely with the National Cereals and Produce Board to ensure that coffee farmers are provided with subsidized fertilizer.

The event held at the County headquarters was attended by Deputy Governor, Lucy Mulili and Agriculture ECM, Joyce Mutua among others.

MAKUENI COUNTY RECEIVES LABORATORY EQUIPMENT TO BOOST FARM PRODUCE SAFETY

Makueni County has received a donation of advanced laboratory kits to enhance the testing of agricultural produce for safety and quality standards for consumption.

The donation made by Micro-Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT), a public organization that supports small and medium enterprises, is funded by the European Union in partnership with the Danish Embassy (DANIDA).

The equipment that will be used by the county’s agricultural laboratory technical officer includes a milk analyzer, an antibiotic test kit, aflatoxin test kit and computers.

These kits will help detect harmful contaminants in farm produce, which include aflatoxin in maize, pesticide residues in horticultural products, and excess lactose in dairy items.

The donation was officially received by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development, Joyce Mutua.

Mutua expressed appreciation for the support, noting that the new lab equipment will play a crucial role in safeguarding public health and improving the quality of agricultural products in the county.

The county collaboration with MESPT aims to strengthen agricultural value chains, providing agribusiness with the tools and resources needed to meet commercial standards and enhance the safety of food products.