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.
He explained that heavy rains in August 2025 that were followed by reduced rainfall in October led to increased flowering and fruiting resulting in the current high production of the fruits.
“While this is a positive indicator of good agricultural productivity, it has created a short-term imbalance between supply and demand,” Kang’ata said, noting that manufacturers are currently unable to absorb all the produce from farmers allied to 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 so as to avoid more losses.
“Farmers are strongly advised not to harvest mangoes unless express authorisation is given by the Lower Murang’a Cooperative officials,” he said.
He further warned that poor harvesting practices have contributed to the problem, particularly the picking of immature fruits.
“Manufacturers are rejecting immature mangoes and this is hurting farmers directly. Proper timing during harvesting is critical,” the governor emphasised in the notice.
Governor Kang’ata also announced that the county government has entered into partnership with the Food for Education organisation in implementing a primary school meal pilot programme in Murang’a and neighbouring counties to open up an alternative market.
“To ensure it still has a ready market, the county has now opened a second sales window through a partnership with the Food for Education organisation, supporting school meals programmes in Nairobi, Murang’a and Kiambu counties.
“Already deliveries have been made at the Food for Education depot in Ruiru marking an important step in reducing post-harvest losses while at the same time contributing to nutritious meals for learners,” added Kang’ata in the notice.
If the second sales window is successful, the governor noted that the county will mop up already-harvested mangoes from various parts of Murang’a to offer immediate relief to farmers.
He reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to stabilising the mango market, assuring farmers that measures are being put in place to protect their incomes and reduce post-harvest losses.
The county government started offering support and subsidies to mango farmers two years ago, which saw the price for a kilo of mango rise to more than Sh23.
By Bernard Munyao
