Makueni County has entered into a transformative partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA) to establish an Export Supply Hub (ESH) aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and expanding international market access for the region’s agricultural produce. The move is set to revolutionize the county’s horticultural sector, particularly in the production and export of mangoes, avocados, and French beans.
The Export Supply Hub will be developed under the EU-funded Business Environment and Export Enhancement Programme (EU-BEEEP) and implemented by TradeMark Africa. The facility is envisioned as a comprehensive center for the aggregation, cold storage, processing, and packaging of horticultural produce. Its design includes the integration of advanced digital systems for full traceability, enabling international buyers to authenticate the origin and handling of the produce. This is especially critical in meeting the high standards of sanitary and phytosanitary compliance required by global markets such as the European Union.
Makueni is one of Kenya’s leading mango-producing regions, harvesting around 245,000 metric tonnes annually. However, the county faces a significant challenge with post-harvest losses, with over 40% of the harvest going to waste due to inadequate market access and logistical inefficiencies. The new Export Supply Hub is poised to change this scenario by providing a centralized and efficient infrastructure that ensures high-quality handling and faster access to lucrative export markets.
The county government has allocated land for the construction of the facility, which will be strategically integrated with a cargo system connected to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). This connection will facilitate the swift and environmentally sustainable transportation of goods from the hub to ports for international shipment. Additionally, a network of aggregation centers across Makueni and neighboring counties will be developed to ensure a consistent and reliable supply of produce to the hub.
On-site inspection and certification services will be provided at the facility to support compliance with stringent export standards. These services will ensure that produce meets global quality benchmarks, thereby boosting the credibility and competitiveness of Makueni’s exports.
Beyond infrastructure, the partnership also prioritizes the empowerment of local farmers. Capacity-building initiatives will be rolled out to equip smallholder farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to improve their farming practices. These programs will focus on enhancing productivity, post-harvest handling, and meeting export quality requirements through value addition processes.
The Export Supply Hub is not just about facilitating market access; it represents a holistic approach to agricultural development. By fostering resilience, sustainability, and international competitiveness, the project aims to uplift the livelihoods of smallholder farmers while positioning Makueni as a model for agro-based economic transformation in Kenya.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for value chain development in Kenya’s agricultural sector. With improved infrastructure, logistical integration, and farmer support, Makueni County is setting the stage for a more robust, export-oriented horticultural economy that can thrive in the global marketplace.
