Murang’a: Murang’a County Government has issued an advisory to mango farmers following a glut in the market that has slowed the uptake of produce by the contracted manufacturers across the county. Governor Irungu Kang’ata, through a public notice, said the glut is a result of favourable weather conditions experienced in the better part of last year.
According to Kenya News Agency, heavy rains in August 2025 followed by reduced rainfall in October spurred increased flowering and fruiting, resulting in the current high production of mangoes. While this scenario indicates good agricultural productivity, it has led to a supply-demand imbalance. Manufacturers are currently unable to absorb all the produce from farmers allied to the Lower Murang’a Mango Cooperative Society at once.
The governor further stated that the county government is aware that some mangoes already harvested by farmers are yet to be collected by officials from the Lower Murang’a Cooperative, a situation that has caused concern among the growers. To avoid further losses, Kang’ata urged farmers to strictly follow harvesting guidelines issued by the cooperative.
Farmers are advised not to harvest mangoes without express authorisation from Lower Murang’a Cooperative officials. Improper harvesting, particularly picking immature fruits, has been problematic as manufacturers are rejecting these, impacting farmers directly. Proper timing during harvesting is critical, the governor emphasised.
Governor Kang’ata also announced a partnership with Food for Education to implement a primary school meal pilot programme in Murang’a and neighbouring counties, opening an alternative market. Deliveries have been made to the Food for Education depot in Ruiru, aiming to reduce post-harvest losses while contributing to nutritious meals for learners.
If this second sales window succeeds, the county will collect already-harvested mangoes from various parts of Murang’a to offer immediate relief to farmers. The county government reaffirms its commitment to stabilising the mango market, assuring farmers that measures are in place to protect their incomes and reduce post-harvest losses. Support and subsidies to mango farmers began two years ago, resulting in a price increase to more than Sh23 per kilo.
