Makueni Launches State-of-the-Art Horticultural Aggregation Center
Makueni County has officially inaugurated a modern Horticultural Aggregation Center and Packhouse near Wote, a move expected to transform the county’s agricultural sector. The facility, launched by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., will serve as a central hub for collecting, processing, and packaging mangoes for both local consumption and export markets. The center aims to reduce post-harvest losses, streamline the supply chain, and provide farmers with direct access to buyers, boosting profitability and market efficiency.
Governor Kilonzo emphasized that the facility would strengthen the mango value chain, noting that export-quality mangoes would fetch KSh 12 per piece, while local market prices range between KSh 15 and KSh 19 per kilogram. Farmers were encouraged to coordinate with their ward agricultural officers to ensure timely harvesting and smooth linkage to the center. The initiative is designed not only to benefit farmers but also to position Makueni as a leading player in Kenya’s horticulture sector.
Despite the positive developments, Kenya’s horticulture industry faces challenges including high production costs, logistical hurdles, and stiff competition from neighboring countries. Exporters have also been affected by prolonged shipping times to Europe due to the Red Sea crisis, pushing them toward costlier routes. The Ministry of Agriculture has responded by forming a National Horticulture Standing Committee to address pest infestations, international compliance, and market diversification, ensuring that investments like Makueni’s aggregation center can fully contribute to sustainable growth.