Kenya’s Makueni County inaugurates horticultural aggregation center
KENYA – Makueni County has officially launched a state-of-the-art Horticultural Aggregation Center and Packhouse, marking a significant boost for its agricultural sector.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. presided over the event, emphasizing the center’s potential to enhance the county’s mango value chain.
Strategically located near Wote Police Station, the facility will serve as a central hub for collecting, processing, and packaging mangoes for export and local markets.
Its establishment is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, streamline the supply chain, and provide farmers with direct access to exporters, improving profitability.
The county government announced favorable prices for mangoes, with export-quality fruit fetching Kshs. 12 (USD 0.076) per piece. Mangoes intended for local markets will attract between Kshs. 15 (USD 0.095) and Kshs. 19 (USD 0.121) per kilogram.
Farmers have been urged to notify their ward agricultural officers or administrators when their mangoes are ready for harvesting. This coordination will facilitate smoother linkages with buyers and ensure maximum returns.
“The aggregation center is equipped to handle significant quantities of mangoes, ensuring efficient sorting, grading, and packaging for both local and international markets,” stated Governor Kilonzo.
He added that the initiative would not only benefit farmers but also strengthen the county’s position as a key player in the horticulture sector.
National horticulture challenges
While Makueni’s new facility is a step forward, Kenya’s horticulture sector continues to face challenges. High production costs, logistical difficulties, and competition from neighboring countries such as Ethiopia and Tanzania have affected the country’s competitiveness in global markets.
Hosea Machuki, CEO of the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK), highlighted the disparity in freight costs.
“Transporting a kilogram of vegetables from Kenya to Europe costs between USD 3 and USD 5, compared to USD 1.5 to USD 2 from other Eastern African countries. This makes Kenyan produce less attractive to international buyers,” he explained.
The recent crisis in the Red Sea, which began in October 2023, has further complicated logistics by prolonging shipping times to Europe beyond 45 days.
Exporters have been forced to use costlier routes through South and West Africa, impacting the movement of perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
Recognizing the need for sustainable solutions, the Ministry of Agriculture has formed a 12-member National Horticulture Standing Committee.
Chaired by Agriculture Secretary Collins Marangu, the committee will tackle issues such as pest infestations, compliance with international standards, and diversification of export markets.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Kipronoh Ronoh stressed the urgency of addressing these challenges. “In the face of stiff competition and a market that demands high-quality products, we must act swiftly to implement practical and effective solutions,” he said.
Kenya’s Makueni County inaugurates horticultural aggregation center
KENYA – Makueni County has officially launched a state-of-the-art Horticultural Aggregation Center and Packhouse, marking a significant boost for its agricultural sector.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. presided over the event, emphasizing the center’s potential to enhance the county’s mango value chain.
Strategically located near Wote Police Station, the facility will serve as a central hub for collecting, processing, and packaging mangoes for export and local markets.
Its establishment is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, streamline the supply chain, and provide farmers with direct access to exporters, improving profitability.
The county government announced favorable prices for mangoes, with export-quality fruit fetching Kshs. 12 (USD 0.076) per piece. Mangoes intended for local markets will attract between Kshs. 15 (USD 0.095) and Kshs. 19 (USD 0.121) per kilogram.
Farmers have been urged to notify their ward agricultural officers or administrators when their mangoes are ready for harvesting. This coordination will facilitate smoother linkages with buyers and ensure maximum returns.
“The aggregation center is equipped to handle significant quantities of mangoes, ensuring efficient sorting, grading, and packaging for both local and international markets,” stated Governor Kilonzo.
He added that the initiative would not only benefit farmers but also strengthen the county’s position as a key player in the horticulture sector.
National horticulture challenges
While Makueni’s new facility is a step forward, Kenya’s horticulture sector continues to face challenges. High production costs, logistical difficulties, and competition from neighboring countries such as Ethiopia and Tanzania have affected the country’s competitiveness in global markets.
Hosea Machuki, CEO of the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK), highlighted the disparity in freight costs.
“Transporting a kilogram of vegetables from Kenya to Europe costs between USD 3 and USD 5, compared to USD 1.5 to USD 2 from other Eastern African countries. This makes Kenyan produce less attractive to international buyers,” he explained.
The recent crisis in the Red Sea, which began in October 2023, has further complicated logistics by prolonging shipping times to Europe beyond 45 days.
Exporters have been forced to use costlier routes through South and West Africa, impacting the movement of perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
Recognizing the need for sustainable solutions, the Ministry of Agriculture has formed a 12-member National Horticulture Standing Committee.
Chaired by Agriculture Secretary Collins Marangu, the committee will tackle issues such as pest infestations, compliance with international standards, and diversification of export markets.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Kipronoh Ronoh stressed the urgency of addressing these challenges. “In the face of stiff competition and a market that demands high-quality products, we must act swiftly to implement practical and effective solutions,” he said.