The Export Supply Hub for Fruits and Vegetables in Makueni County aims to improve
agrologistics and boost the export capabilities of the region’s horticultural products. Makueni
County is known for its production of mangoes, avocados, and various other crops, but challenges
in post-harvest management, value addition, and market connections have limited its export
potential. This initiative seeks to enhance aggregation, cold storage, and quality assurance, and
provide direct access to international markets, especially in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Implementation Status
The initiative, implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, brings together key stakeholders including the Makueni County Government, development partners, exporters, and logistics service providers. The main components of the initiative are:
- Establishing a central aggregation hub with cold storage, sorting, and packaging facilities
to meet international standards. - Training farmers and cooperatives on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), GlobalG.A.P
certification, and the requirements of export markets. - Investing in cold chain logistics infrastructure to minimize post-harvest losses and improve
the shelf-life of produce. - Creating direct market linkages to overseas buyers reduces dependence on middlemen
and ensures better returns for farmers. - Implementing digital traceability systems to improve quality control and ensure compliance
with food safety standards.
Key Findings
- Reduction in post-harvest losses: The introduction of cold storage and proper handling
techniques has significantly reduced spoilage and quality degradation, resulting in better
export-quality produce. - Improved farmer incomes: Farmers with direct access to export markets can negotiate
better prices, which increases their revenue. - Compliance with international standards: Through certification programs, more
farmers are now meeting the requirements of EU and Gulf markets, expanding Kenya’s
presence in high-value export destinations. - Strengthened supply chain efficiency: The initiative has improved coordination among
producers, processors, and exporters, reducing logistics bottlenecks. - Scaling potential: The success of the initiative in Makueni County is setting the stage for
replication in other horticulture-producing regions across Kenya.