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Makueni Fruit Processing Plant Roars to Life

The engines have roared to life. The long awaited Makueni Fruit Processing Plant is now a reality. Governor Kivutha Kibwana, Makueni Farmers representatives, and residents of Makueni have today unveiled the Makueni Fruit Processing Plant at Kalamba. The Plant has a capacity to process 5 metric tons of raw mangoes producing 3,000 liters of Puree (Mango concentrate) per hour. A liter of the concentrate fetches KES 150 at the market place.

Before devolution, the idea of establishing a fruit processing plant, in Makueni to help our fruit farmers to stem wastage and raise incomes was always dear and heavily borne in our hearts and minds. However, the power and opportunity to allocate public resources of the magnitude required to realize this remained a dream. Dreams not achieved turned into nightmares during the peak seasons when mango prices dipped to three shillings per piece.

This factory will provide opportunities for local farmers and investors to own a stake and grow wealth, learn new technologies and learn about value addition to increase farm incomes. Our farmers are the primary stakeholders of the plant. The Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries is now seized with enhancement of the quality of our fruits, control of the fruit fly and farmer education to ensure the fruits processed in the plant are compliant with European Union (EU) standards.

  • June 29, 2017 in News

MAKUENI FRUIT PROCESSING PLANT BEGINS MANGO PROCESSING TO BOOST MANGO UPTAKE

Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili has announced that the county government will review the budget for the Makueni Fruit Processing Plant in the next financial year to ensure it continues supporting local farmers. Speaking on Wednesday during an official tour of the facility, Mulili assured farmers in the county that all mangoes collected at the plant are sourced from Makueni county.

She encouraged mango farmers to explore additional markets, including exports, which she said have significant potential for increased off-take.

The Deputy Governor made the remarks while meeting chairpersons of contracted cooperative societies responsible for purchasing mangoes from farmers at the plant.

The Plant has begun large-scale mango processing to create space for increased fruit intake during the peak harvest season. The move follows an overwhelming response from farmers across the county.

So far, the plant has received more than 250 metric tonnes of mangoes and is targeting to receive up to 580 metric tonnes, supported by an allocated budget of KSh 13.9 million.

According to the plant’s Chief Executive Officer, the facility is working with seven cooperative societies mandated to off-take mangoes from farmers across the county. Agriculture Executive Committee Member Elizabeth Muli said a thorough verification process is underway to ensure only genuine Makueni farmers benefit from the programme.

She added that aggressive marketing and farmer sensitisation have resulted in deliveries exceeding capacity at the ripening chambers. Processing is currently ongoing to free up space and allow continued intake, with more mango deliveries expected in the coming week.

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, FLONE UNVEIL ROADMAP FOR INCLUSIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN THE COUNTY

The County Government of Makueni, in collaboration with Flone Initiative has launched a comprehensive roadmap to establish safe, sustainable and inclusive public transport systems in the county.

The initiative follows a baseline survey conducted earlier this year, which identified significant challenges faced by vulnerable groups, including Persons With Disabilities and women, in accessing public transport.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., alongside Flone Initiative Executive Director Naomi Mwaura, signed the agreement on Wednesday. Governor Mutula pledged to fast-track short-term interventions to promote equitable and accessible transport solutions across the county.

Makueni flag to fly in East Africa Music, Drama fete

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has hosted the Kenya National Drama Festival spoken word winners, Brian Oscar, and Geoffrey Mutinda, from Vulueni secondary school in Mbitini.
The duo with the spoken word, “Namba Ya mwisho” performance through their credible storylines on challenges forcing youth into drug abuse with a happy ending of solutions out of psychoactive substances placed the County and the school at the national arena during the April 2023 film, drama fete in Mombasa.
While handing over the Makueni flag to the school where they will be representing Kenya in the East Africa Music, Dance and Drama festival in Arua, Northern Uganda, Governor Mutula encouraged the students to bring win-back home challenging learners to always embrace co-curriculum activities.
 

MAKUENI FIRST LADY GIFTS MAKONGO SPECIAL SCHOOL EARLY CHRISTMAS.

Makueni County First Lady Makueni – Anita Mutula , extended her generosity to Makongo Special School for the Deaf, providing an early Christmas gift as part of a larger initiative of supporting the needy. This event was part of Anita Mutula Foundation’s outreach program, in collaboration with Mwatu FM, whereby the donations included essential supplies coupled with a heartwarming gesture of sharing a meal with the children.

The First Lady emphasized the importance of giving with love and sustaining efforts to support vulnerable groups through partnerships.

She said there was need for comprehensive care for Persons With Disabilities(PWDs) and quality interventions, such as the provision of assistive devices and addressing the nutritional needs of PWDs.

The event was further supported by Kibwezi Well-wishers and Kaiti Greening Champions, who supported the event by reinforcing their shared mission of environmental sustainability. Additionally , the Kaiti Greening Champions, chairperson Robert Kasimu, donated solar panels and a lighting system which will enhance the school’s energy sustainability and provide reliable lighting for the students and staff.

Those in attendance were treated to fun by their popular Mwatu radio presenters such as Virginia Mwikali (aka Msupa ) and Geoffrey Musyoki (aka Kaprince) among others.Among those who attended the function included CECM Devolution, @Nicholas Nzioka.

MAKUENI FIRST LADY DONATES EQUIPMENT TO MBOONI HOSPITAL AS EYE CAMP SERVES HUNDREDS.

Makueni First Lady Anita Mutula on Thursday donated medical equipment to help operationalize the newly constructed emergency and family block at Mbooni Sub County Hospital.

Through the Anita Mbinya Foundation, Anita delivered 50 fully dressed hospital beds, 50 bedside cabinets, 25 baby cots and hospital curtains to prepare the facility ahead of its commissioning. The First Lady said the donation will strengthen healthcare services as the hospital awaits full equipping before opening to the public.

During the visit, she checked on a free eye screening camp at the hospital organized by her foundation in partnership with the Makueni County Government, Klear Eye Africa and the Kenya Society for the Blind.

Medical teams at the camp served hundreds of residents through eye examinations and distribution of prescription glasses. Doctors have also performed at least 80 cataract surgeries.

Organizers aim to conduct 150 cataract surgeries before the camp concludes on Friday. The outreach also offers blood pressure and blood sugar screening.

Joyce Mutua, Makueni County Executive Committee Member for Health, thanked the foundation and its partners for supporting the initiative.

Mutua said the county government plans to establish an eye unit at Mbooni Sub County Hospital to expand access to specialized eye care. She added that the county is equipping the new hospital block, including completing electrification works and allocating funds in the county budget.

MAKUENI FEEDLOT SUCCESS DRAWS GLOBAL ATTENTION FROM URUGUAY EXPERTS

Deputy Governor Makueni-H.E Lucy Mulili on Wednesday led a high-level delegation from Uruguay’s National Institute of Agricultural Research, accompanied by national government officials, on a tour of the Sand River feedlot farm in Sultan Hamud, an expansive 200-acre model showcasing advanced feedlot and fodder production systems.

Uruguay, renowned globally for its expertise in livestock genetics, feed technologies, and pasture-based beef systems, is exploring opportunities for collaboration to enhance feedlot performance, strengthen expert training, and establish demonstration sites in Kenya.

Makueni is currently implementing an animal feed strategy aimed at ensuring farmers have access to consistent, affordable, and high-quality feeds that support improved livestock growth and value chain.

During the visit, Uruguay’s Director for the Animal Health Platform commended Makueni for implementing effective policies that have fostered serious beef production.

Agriculture CECM Elizabeth Muli noted that the county has already invested in pasture development across Malili, Kibwezi West, Kathonzweni, Kilome, and parts of Kibwezi East, while also expanding disease surveillance and supporting farmers through subsidized livestock insurance.

MAKUENI FARMERS URGED TO JOIN SACCOS

Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Chief Officer Japheth Kiminza encouraged Makueni farmers to consider joining saccos. By doing so, they can access affordable credit options that will help them increase their agricultural productivity and profitability.
Kiminza emphasized that saccos offer opportunities for farmers to save money and borrow loans with the sole aim of starting or expanding their agri-businesses.
Speaking on Thursday at Kalawa during the launch of Kalawa Farmers Sacco offices, Kiminza stated that government agencies and partners support farmers who are members of saccos or cooperatives.
The chairperson for Kalawa Farmers Sacco, Peter Mwanthi reported a membership of 335 with a cash base amounting to Sh. 345,000.
However, he expressed his commitment towards mobilizing more members to join the sacco in order to attain a minimum membership qualification required by the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) which is set at 600.
Mwanthi further promised to ensure full compliance with the Cooperatives Act, rules and regulations while running Sacco operations.