Makueni County Inks deal with TradeMark Africa to Boost Horticulture exports with New Supply Hub

By Brian Otieno

Makueni County Government has taken a transformative step to elevate its horticultural sector, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TradeMark Africa (TMA) to establish an Export Supply Hub (ESH).

The agreement, signed on Monday by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., seeks to slash post-harvest losses, expand global market access, and solidify Makueni’s reputation as a premier exporter of mangoes, avocados, and French beans.

Makueni, a leading mango-producing region in Kenya, generates approximately 245,000 metric tonnes of mangoes annually. Shockingly, over 40% (98,000 tonnes) is lost due to inadequate market linkages and storage facilities.

The ESH, supported by the EU-funded Business Environment and Export Enhancing Programme (EU-BEEEP), aims to address this issue through a state-of-the-art facility for aggregation, cold storage, processing, and packaging.

Equipped with digital traceability systems, the hub will ensure compliance with international sanitary and phytosanitary standards, boosting buyer confidence in high-value markets like the European Union.

The ESH promises far-reaching benefits for farmers in Makueni and neighboring counties, including Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita-Taveta. Governor Kilonzo described the hub as a “game-changer,” highlighting its potential to create a sustainable agricultural ecosystem. Key advantages include:

Reduced Losses: Cold storage and efficient aggregation will significantly cut the 40% wastage.

Global Market Access: Farmers will gain entry to lucrative international markets, increasing their incomes.

Job Opportunities: Processing and packaging operations will create employment in the region.

Sustainable Transport: Integration with the Standard Gauge Railway will enable eco-friendly shipments.

Farmer Empowerment: TMA will provide training in modern production techniques and value addition to meet export standards.

The hub, to be constructed on land provided by the county government, will also offer on-site inspection and certification services, simplifying compliance with rigorous export requirements.

Despite the enthusiasm, the project faces significant challenges. Building the hub demands substantial investment in infrastructure and technology, which could strain county resources.

Maintaining consistent produce quality across smallholder farmers, who dominate Makueni’s agriculture, will require intensive training and coordination. Moreover, global market competition and fluctuating demand could threaten long-term profitability. Governor Kilonzo acknowledged these obstacles but expressed confidence in the county’s partnership with TMA to address them effectively

Lillian Mwai-Ndegwa, TMA’s Country Director, praised the ESH as a critical step toward enhancing Kenya’s export readiness. “This hub is about more than market access; it’s about building resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness for smallholder farmers,” she said. The facility’s digital systems will ensure full traceability, a key requirement for EU buyers, while regional aggregation centers will maintain a steady flow of produce.

The signing ceremony was attended by notable figures, including CECM for Agriculture Joyce Mutua, Chief Officers Dr. Victoria Kyalo and Japheth Kiminza, County Solicitor Jennifer Kyumwa, and TMA representatives Subira Mukami and Eunice Ngina.

With the ESH, Makueni is set to transform its horticultural sector, turning losses into profits and establishing itself as a global agricultural leader. The success of this initiative could inspire other Kenyan counties, demonstrating the power of strategic partnerships and innovation in unlocking the potential of smallholder farmers.