The Juicy Transformation: How Mango Farming is Reshaping Makueni County’s Economy and Livelihoods

In the heart of Makueni County, mango farming has transcended beyond mere agriculture—it has become a lifeline transforming the region’s economic landscape and significantly elevating the livelihoods of thousands. Once a crop undervalued and sold at distressingly low prices, mangoes from Makueni now command respect and profitability, thanks to strategic investments, innovative processing methods, and dedicated governance.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. proudly acknowledges the revolutionary impact that mango farming has had on the region. “The purpose of the fruit processing factory was to value mangoes and secure better prices,” he explains. Previously, farmers faced dire conditions, with surplus mangoes often discarded or fed to livestock due to a lack of markets. Today, the narrative is strikingly different.

Established in 2017 by the Makueni County Fruit Development and Marketing Authority, the fruit processing plant has spearheaded this remarkable shift. The plant, capable of processing five tons per hour, operates under a cooperative system involving multiple farmer groups that supply mangoes directly, eliminating exploitative middlemen. Julius Gwasu, chairman of the Kamba Farmers Cooperative Society, highlights this transformation, noting, “We used to sell mangoes below five shillings per piece, but now we sell at 19 shillings per kilo.”

This cooperative approach has strengthened bargaining power and ensured timely and regular payments to farmers. Farmers now deliver substantial quantities—at least 10 tons per delivery, twice or thrice weekly—ensuring consistent income. The cooperative structure has significantly enhanced the economic stability and livelihoods of over 500 farmer-members.

Beyond cooperative empowerment, the processing plant itself is a technological marvel. Mangoes undergo meticulous sorting and hygienic processing into puree, which is sterilized without additives, packaged, and exported internationally. Destinations include Ethiopia, Egypt, Mauritius, Denmark, Uganda, and Tanzania. The establishment of a new juice line, supported by the European Union and fully approved by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), can produce up to 8,000 bottles of ready-to-drink juice hourly. Branded as ‘Makueni Juice,’ it stands out as a premium, natural product, tracing each bottle back to specific farms and practices.

The ripple effects of this agro-industrial revolution extend beyond farm incomes. The plant employs between 50 to 100 casual workers daily during peak production, fostering broader economic benefits. It has become a critical employment hub, from fruit pickers and transporters to factory workers, significantly reducing poverty and boosting disposable income across the county.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. emphasizes the broader economic transformation, noting, “Our own-source revenue moved from 741 million to 1 billion shillings within one financial year. When people prosper, they pay their rates and licenses timely, fueling further economic growth.”

Makueni’s mango industry thrives through a combination of favorable climatic conditions and strategic agricultural interventions. The county’s extension officers, empowered by government support and innovative agripreneur initiatives, provide crucial training and capacity building to farmers. This investment ensures high-quality production and sustainable farming practices, critical for both local and international market success.

Yet, despite these impressive gains, challenges persist. Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. advocates for increased national government investment in agriculture, emphasizing the high costs farmers face—from inputs and fertilizers to taxes. Drawing comparisons to the United States, where agriculture receives significant budgetary priority, he stresses the importance of aligning Kenya’s resources with its agricultural potential to ensure national food security and economic prosperity.

Today, with over four million mango trees and 110,000 dedicated mango farmers, Makueni stands as a testament to the transformative power of strategic agricultural investment. The county is witnessing flourishing market centers, rising incomes, and improved standards of living—a compelling narrative showcasing how agriculture, when combined with innovative industrialization and supportive governance, can substantially alleviate poverty.

Indeed, the ‘juicy’ transformation of Makueni County’s mango sector is not just about fruit—it symbolizes renewed hope, sustainable economic growth, and the immense potential lying within Kenya’s agricultural landscape.