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Trade

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗶 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀.

𝐊𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐤𝐚: 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝐬𝐭, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 ~ Makueni County is strengthening preparations for the upcoming mango season, with a renewed focus on better prices, reliable markets and reduced post-harvest losses.

The County Agriculture Department on Thursday brought together Ward and Sub-County Administration and Agriculture Officers to develop a coordinated approach to mango offtake and marketing.

The officers agreed to establish ward-based mango committees to improve coordination, farmer linkages and uniform communication ahead of the season.

Speaking during the forum, County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi urged officers to work closely with farmers and buyers to ensure growers get better value from their produce.

Additionally, Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development CECM Japheth Mang’oka encouraged farmers to join respective local area cooperatives and other formal groups to strengthen their bargaining power and secure better prices.

The meeting was also attended by CPSB Chairperson Dr. Benjamin KasaMBA, Chief Officers Julius Kinyungu, Joseph Ndolo and Japheth Kiminza, among other officers.

𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬.

𝐖𝐎𝐓𝐄: 𝑆𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 22𝑛𝑑, 2026 – As Makueni’s mango season approaches, the County Government is positioning farmer cooperatives to turn collective strength into better markets, stronger bargaining power and improved returns for farmers.

The County Cooperative Development Directorate on Tuesday brought together 56 leaders from 28 cooperatives for a sensitisation forum focused on strengthening cooperatives as reliable vehicles for aggregation and marketing of farmers’ produce.

During the forum, cooperative leaders were equipped with skills on governance, leadership, management and compliance, alongside quality mango production, aggregation and marketing opportunities.

Further, they also reviewed preliminary mango market survey findings, pre-qualification requirements for supplying mangoes to Makueni County Fruit Development and Marketing Authority, and quality standards required by the processor.

The forum, attended by Chief Officers Kinns Mwania and Joseph Ndolo, also exposed cooperative leaders to financing opportunities through MCEF, AFC and Cooperative Bank, further strengthening the county’s drive to connect Makueni farmers with markets beyond the county.

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐢 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞.

𝑊𝑂𝑇𝐸, 𝑆𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 22𝑛𝑑, 2026 – With micro and small enterprises emerging as a key engine of livelihoods and local economic growth, Makueni County is investing in equipping traders with the knowledge needed to grow and sustain their businesses.

The Department of Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), on Tuesday brought together traders for a practical business training facilitated by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).

The training focused on access to finance, business formalisation, bookkeeping and taxation; key pillars for running profitable and compliant enterprises.

Attending the forum, CECM Irene Makau Mwilu challenged traders to go beyond producing quality goods by embracing strategic marketing, building strong brands and creating markets for their products.

The training is part of a wider county initiative to empower traders with skills, resources and knowledge for sustainable business growth, with participants receiving certificates of participation.

The session was also attended by Chief Officer Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani, Director Harrison Kiandiko, the County MSEA Representative and the Lower Eastern ICPAK Representatives.

𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐢 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬.

𝐖𝐎𝐓𝐄, 𝟏𝟏𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – Makueni County is stepping up efforts to strengthen the mango value chain by bringing farmers, cooperatives, exporters, processors, offtakers and regulators together to tackle persistent market and production challenges.

The stakeholder forum was organised by the Department of Agriculture in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA) and brought together representatives of 22 mango farmer cooperatives across the county, exporters, local offtakers, processors, KEPHIS, HCD and officers from the Departments of Agriculture, Trade and Devolution.

The discussions focused on traceability, quality standards, cooperative capacity, market linkages and the role of mango marketing agents, with stakeholders seeking practical solutions to improve the competitiveness of Makueni mangoes.

Addressing the forum, County Secretary Dr. Justin Kyambi emphasised that quality must remain at the heart of the mango business. He urged cooperatives to strengthen farmer records, better understand their membership and mobilise more farmers into organised groups to enhance traceability and collective marketing.

The stakeholders agreed that cooperatives should assess their capacity to aggregate and transport mangoes directly from farms, while maintaining continuous engagement with exporters and offtakers. Contract farming was also identified as a key pathway towards creating more predictable markets and reducing uncertainty for farmers.

Dr. Kyambi noted that the County Government is pursuing new opportunities to expand mango markets, including a recent delegation to Oman to explore potential export markets.

Agriculture Chief Officer Kinns Mwania urged farmers and cooperatives to make full use of available pack houses while ensuring that mangoes meet required quality and handling standards.

The forum marked a renewed push for stronger collaboration across the mango value chain, with stakeholders committing to ensure that Makueni mangoes reach markets in the right quality, quantity and condition; and at better returns for farmers.

𝐊𝐢𝐛𝐰𝐞𝐳𝐢 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐢’𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐲.

𝐊𝐈𝐁𝐖𝐄𝐙𝐈, 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – Emerging and established musicians from Kibwezi East and West on Wednesday converged in Kibwezi Town for a vibrant forum celebrating the region’s rising creative talent. Bringing together gospel and secular artists, producers and promoters under the Makueni Artists Association, the forum provided a platform for networking, mentorship and collaboration.

Attending the event, Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism CECM Irene Makau Mwilu reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment where talent can thrive, noting that investing in creatives is investing in jobs, enterprise and Makueni’s cultural identity.

The forum is an indication of a growing ambition: to turn Makueni’s creative talent into a powerful engine for culture, employment, enterprise and economic growth; giving local artists not only a stage, but a future.

DEPUTY GOVERNOR LUCY MULILI MONDAY MORNING INSPECTED THE ONGOING CONSTRUCTION OF THE KSH 74 MILLION NUNGUNI MODERN MARKET

Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili Monday Morning inspected the ongoing construction of the KSh 74 million Nunguni Modern Market in Kilungu Ward, reaffirming the county government’s commitment to delivering transformative development projects across the region.

The modern market, a flagship initiative of the county government, officially commenced in February 2026 following the handover of the site to the contractor. Once completed, the facility is expected to provide a modern, safe, and conducive trading environment, boost local commerce, and create new economic opportunities for traders and residents alike.

MAKUENI SHOWCASES HERITAGE AT GLOBAL INVESTMENT FORUM

Makueni County Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili on Wednesday joined Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo for the official launch of the first International Investment Conference and Trade Fair at Thika Greens Golf Hotel.

The forum focused on preserving Kenya’s indigenous heritage while unlocking its economic value.

Makueni stood out, proudly showcasing Akamba culture; featuring the ancestral drink kaluvu, usuu wa ukia, kinaa kya mwee, nthùngi (traditional carrier bag), herbal remedies, and unique delicacies.

During the conference, Mulili also presented a symbolic gift to the CS and highlighted Makueni’s booth, rich in traditional medicines. The focus was on how natural assets can be commercialised, citing how India has leveraged in traditional medicine to contribute millions of dollars in the economy.

Key in the event was also the launch of the IKI BANK system to serve as a National repository of the assets led by MD National Museums of Kenya Prof. Mary Gikungu.

Also present was Dr. Evans Teracha – Coordinator Natural Products Industry, Prof. X N Iraki – UoN, ECM Nicholas Nzioka and Chief Officer Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani.

LEADERS, TRADERS HOLD PRAYERS AS WOTE MARKET CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

Leaders from the County Government of Makueni County on Monday joined traders at the temporary Wote market site for prayers ahead of the construction of the Wote Modern Market.

The session was led by CECM for ICT, Education and Internship Japheth Mang’oka and CECM for Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works and Energy Peter Mumo. It was held at the relocation site where traders have been moved to pave the way for the project, a joint initiative of the county and national governments.

Speaking at the event, Mumo urged traders to remain calm and patient during the construction period, saying the government would work to minimize disruption to businesses and complete the project within the set timeline.

Mang’oka called for cooperation from traders to ensure smooth implementation of the project, noting that electricity and security have been provided at the temporary site to support business operations. He officially declared the relocation site open, allowing traders to resume operations as construction begins.

Also present were Wote Nziu Ward MCA Felix Mateso, Chief Officer for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism Jossylyn Mutua, and Chief Officer for Devolution, Public Participation, County Administration and Special Programs Daniel Ndolo, alongside other county officials.

Traders welcomed the relocation and thanked Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and the county administration for facilitating the transition, expressing optimism that the modern market will boost trade in Wote town.

MAKUENI BEGINS RELOCATION OF TRADERS AHEAD OF WOTE MODERN MARKET CONSTRUCTION

Makueni County has commenced the relocation of more than 300 small-scale traders to temporary structures to pave the way for the construction of a modern market in Wote town.

The Sh350 million market project is being undertaken by the national government in collaboration with the county government of Makueni. The facility is expected to transform trade in the area by replacing the current congested open-air trading spaces.

Speaking during an impromptu tour of the construction site in Wote, Mutula Kilonzo Jr. thanked stakeholders for facilitating what he described as a smooth and humane relocation process aimed at minimizing business disruption and protecting traders’ livelihoods.

The planned modern market will feature smart stalls, proper sanitation facilities, digital payment hubs and improved waste disposal systems, offering traders a cleaner and more organized working environment.

Traders at the site expressed appreciation to Governor Mutula for securing alternative temporary spaces to allow continuity of their businesses as they await completion of the new market.

To support the initiative, the governor has donated building materials for the construction of the temporary structures that will host traders during the transition period.