Makueni remains one of Kenya's main mango-producing regions, with an estimated 183,891 metric tonnes harvested in the 2024 season out of the country's annual output of about 650,000 metric tonnes. The county's Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperative Development held a two-day forum with Trademark Africa, an EU-funded agency supporting fair trade and market access, to review current supply chain needs.
Farmers, marketing agents, and exporters attended the meeting, which focused on improving pricing structures along the mango value chain, linking producers with reliable buyers, and organising growers by region to support bulk collection and market coordination.
© Government of Makueni County
During the session, Agriculture CECM Liz Muli encouraged growers to apply proper handling practices, noting that "good post-harvest care is essential for meeting export standards." Discussions emphasised that improved handling, stronger market linkages, and standardised pricing frameworks would support better commercial outcomes for producers.
Makueni's mango output includes 30,900 tons consumed at the farm level, 76,400 metric tons supplied to urban markets, and 5,500 tons exported. These volumes illustrate the county's role within Kenya's commercial mango sector.
Chief Officers Japheth Kiminza and Dr. Victoria Kyallo attended the forum, stating that the county's current approach aligns with the broader development agenda under Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. The county highlighted continued efforts to strengthen producer organisations and improve income stability across mango-growing households.
The forum also reviewed the need for consistent engagement between growers, traders, and export agents, noting that market coordination continues to shape pricing outcomes, especially during peak harvest periods.
Growers discussed current post-harvest challenges, including field-level handling practices, delays along the supply chain, and market access constraints. Exporters outlined their requirements for fruit condition and traceability, and marketing agents emphasised the need for predictable supply volumes to align with existing contracts.
The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration between the county, technical agencies, and producers to support a more structured mango value chain in Makueni.
For more information:
Government of Makueni County
Tel: +254 (0) 7957 17885
Email: [email protected]
www.makueni.go.ke
