Makueni County has taken a significant step toward transforming its horticultural industry by partnering with TradeMark Africa (TMA) to establish an Export Supply Hub (ESH), aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and expanding international market access for local produce.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed on Monday by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and TradeMark Africa Country Director Lillian Mwai, marking the beginning of a collaboration that promises to strengthen the region’s reputation as a key exporter of mangoes, avocados, and French beans.
Makueni is one of Kenya’s top mango-producing counties, harvesting approximately 245,000 metric tonnes annually. However, over 40% of this yield goes to waste due to limited market access. The new partnership is expected to significantly reduce such losses by opening up pathways to high-value markets, particularly in the European Union.
The ESH will be established under the EU-funded Business Environment and Export Enhancement Programme (EU-BEEEP) and implemented by TradeMark Africa. The facility is designed to serve as a centralized hub for produce aggregation, cold storage, processing, and packaging. It will also incorporate digital systems to enable full traceability, allowing international buyers to verify the origin and handling of produce.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Governor Kilonzo emphasized the broad impact the hub will have across the region.
“The Export Supply Hub will not only reduce losses but also create a sustainable ecosystem that meets international sanitary and phytosanitary standards,” said the governor.
The facility, which will be built on land provided by the County Government, will be integrated with a cargo system connected to the Standard Gauge Railway, ensuring efficient and environmentally sustainable shipment of goods. A network of aggregation centres across Makueni and neighbouring counties will maintain a steady supply of produce to the hub. On-site inspection and certification services will also be available to help meet the stringent requirements of global export markets.
TMA Country Director Lillian Mwai hailed the project as a forward-thinking initiative that enhances Kenya’s competitiveness on the international stage.
“This Hub is about much more than market access, but also building resilience, sustainability and competitiveness for our smallholder farmers,” she said.
In addition to the infrastructure development, the agreement includes capacity building for farmers. They will receive training and support to improve production practices and meet export quality standards through value addition.
farmers,” she said.
In addition to the infrastructure development, the agreement includes capacity building for farmers. They will receive training and support to improve production practices and meet export quality standards through value addition.
