Makueni County will support the development of a Sh2.5 billion fruit processing and agribusiness hub expected to boost mango and citrus value addition, create 12,750 jobs and expand export markets for farmers.

Makueni to Host Sh2.5 Billion Fruit Processing Hub in Boost for Mango and Citrus Farmers
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. meets investors from Agrione Fresh Produce Limited and the ACK Diocese of Makueni during discussions on the proposed Sh2.5 billion Makueni Integrated Fruit Processing and Agribusiness Hub, a project expected to boost fruit value addition, create jobs and expand market access for farmers.

Makueni County is set to strengthen its position as one of Kenya’s leading fruit-producing regions following plans to establish a Sh2.5 billion Integrated Fruit Processing and Agribusiness Hub that is expected to transform the county’s mango and citrus value chains.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has pledged the county government’s full support for the investment, saying the project will create employment opportunities, reduce post-harvest losses and provide farmers with greater access to local, regional and international markets.

The commitment was made during a consultative meeting with investors from Agrione Fresh Produce Limited and the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese of Makueni, who are partnering to develop the proposed Makueni Integrated Fruit Processing and Agribusiness Hub.

The project will be constructed on a 12-acre site and implemented in phases as a modern agro-industrial campus designed to connect fruit growers with processors, exporters and high-value markets.

Once completed, the facility is expected to create approximately 12,750 jobs, making it one of the largest agribusiness investments in Makueni County in recent years.

Governor Mutula said the county government will facilitate land acquisition, improve the investment environment and fast-track regulatory approvals to ensure the project is implemented without unnecessary delays.

He said the investment will also prioritize local employment, skills development and youth training to ensure residents directly benefit from the new opportunities created by the project.

The governor noted that strengthening agro-processing remains one of the county’s key strategies for increasing farmer incomes by reducing dependence on the sale of raw produce.

As part of the broader initiative, Makueni County also plans to support the establishment of a container depot in Makindu to improve logistics and facilitate the movement of fresh and processed agricultural products to domestic and export markets.

The county will also strengthen market linkages, promote fair pricing mechanisms and support quality standards aimed at reducing post-harvest losses while increasing returns to farmers.

Officials from Agrione Fresh Produce Limited said Makueni was selected because of its strong reputation as one of Kenya’s leading producers of mangoes and citrus fruits.

They noted that the proposed processing facility has been designed to meet international food safety and quality standards, positioning it to serve both local and export markets while allowing room for future expansion.

The investors said the project is expected to strengthen the entire fruit value chain by increasing processing capacity and creating reliable markets for farmers throughout the county.

ACK Diocese of Makueni Bishop Francis Matui welcomed the investment, saying it has the potential to transform livelihoods by creating jobs, expanding market opportunities and stimulating economic growth across the region.

The consultative meeting was also attended by ACK Makueni Investment Committee Chairperson John Paul, County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Japheth Mang’oka, County Executive Committee Member Nicholas Nzioka, County Executive Committee Member Paul Musila, alongside other county officials and project partners.

Makueni has built a strong reputation as one of Kenya’s leading mango-producing counties, but farmers have continued to face challenges related to post-harvest losses, fluctuating prices and limited processing capacity.

Agricultural experts believe investments in value addition facilities such as the proposed agribusiness hub will help stabilize fruit markets, increase processing capacity and improve the competitiveness of Kenyan fruit products in regional and international markets.

Once operational, the Makueni Integrated Fruit Processing and Agribusiness Hub is expected to significantly increase fruit uptake, strengthen the county’s mango and citrus industries and create sustainable income opportunities for thousands of farming households.

https://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Makueni-to-Host-Sh2.5-Billion-Fruit-Processing-Hub-in-Boost-for-Mango-and-Citrus-Farmers-1024x599.jpeghttps://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Makueni-to-Host-Sh2.5-Billion-Fruit-Processing-Hub-in-Boost-for-Mango-and-Citrus-Farmers-150x150.jpegFarmersTrendFarming NewsAgrione Fresh Produce Limited,citrus farming Kenya,citrus value chain Kenya,Farmers Trend News,fruit export Kenya,fruit processing Kenya,fruit processing plant Kenya,Makueni agribusiness,Makueni agriculture,Makueni fruit processing hub,Mango farming Makueni,mango value addition Kenya,Mutula Kilonzo Jr,post-harvest losses KenyaMakueni County will support the development of a Sh2.5 billion fruit processing and agribusiness hub expected to boost mango and citrus value addition, create 12,750 jobs and expand export markets for farmers.Makueni County is set to strengthen its position as one of Kenya's leading fruit-producing regions following plans to...New Generation Culture in Agriculture