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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.

ESSENTIAL SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. on Wednesday graced the ongoing Huduma Mashinani outreach program in Kyambeke Ilima Ward, gaining first-hand experience and a deeper understanding of its impact on local residents. The program has already directly benefited over 70,000 people across 26 wards.

The Governor underscored the outreach’s benefits to residents, noting that it has resolved deep-rooted and long-standing challenges that had previously prevented many community members from accessing essential services such as title deeds and national identity cards.

EQUITY GROUP FOUNDATION EXPLORES COLLABORATION WITH MAKUENI COUNTY

A delegation from the Equity Group Foundation (EGF), led by Advocacy Director Hon. Kinoti Bonface, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. at his office on Tuesday evening.

The Equity Group Foundation is a social arm of Equity Group Holdings that focuses on improving livelihoods for low-income communities through economic opportunities, skill development and providing innovative financial solutions.

During the visit, discussions highlighted opportunities to train MSMEs, support farmers and provide financing solutions to boost local economic growth.

Governor Kilonzo encouraged the Equity team to identify broader investment opportunities in Makueni, with an emphasis on agriculture, health and education.

Kilonzo further reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to initiatives that empower Makueni residents economically.

Also present at the meeting was CECM for Finance and Socio-Economic Planning, Damaris Kavoi.

EQUIPPING AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICERS FOR GLOBAL MARKETS

Makueni’s thriving fruit sector continues to stand out as a key pillar for household income, job creation and economic empowerment.

With horticulture farming supporting thousands of families, efforts are now shifting towards strengthening farmers’ access to high-value international markets through improved standards and compliance.

To advance this agenda, the County Government, in partnership with TradeMark Africa with East Africa Market Development Associates as the market facilitator, on Tuesday launched a three-day intensive training for Agricultural Extension Officers on ways to enhance technical capacity in export compliance, traceability systems, pest management, food safety and quality assurance within the horticulture value chain.

Facilitated by experts from Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service(KEPHIS), HCD, certification bodies and International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), the training seeks to bridge critical gaps that have affected export performance and market confidence in recent years.

Opened on Tuesday by CECM Damaris Kavoi, the training is anchored in the 2025 partnership agreement between the County and TradeMark Africa, and reflects the broader commitment of Mutula Kilonzo Jr. to promote sustainable, market-driven agriculture and increase farmer earnings through competitive global trade.