Mango farmers in Murang’a County are set to receive another round of payments after the county government announced release of an additional 25 percent payment for produce delivered during the recent mango season.
According to a public notice issued by the county administration on Wednesday, the latest remittance had been received from the Food for Education Organization through the Lower Murang’a Farmers Cooperative Society, paving the way for immediate payments to farmers who delivered their mangoes.
According to the notice, the fresh disbursement will raise the total amount already paid to mango farmers to 60 percent of the value of mangoes delivered under the county-supported programme.
In the notice, Governor Irungu Kang’ata thanked farmers for their patience and continued support throughout the season, saying the county remained committed to strengthening the mango value chain and improving livelihoods among farmers.
“We sincerely thank all mango farmers for their patience, resilience and continued support throughout the mango season.
“Your dedication remains vital in strengthening the mango value chain and improving livelihoods across the county,” read part of the public notice.
The county government stated that payments would continue to be made directly through farmers’ registered bank accounts and M-Pesa numbers to ensure transparency and efficiency in the process.
The announcement comes amid concerns from some farmers over delays in payments following deliveries made during the harvesting period.
Mango farming has increasingly become a major source of income for farmers in lower parts of Murang’a, especially in areas such as Maragua, Kambiti, Makuyu and parts of Gatanga where the county government has been encouraging commercial fruit farming.
In the notice, Kang’ata assured farmers that the remaining balance would be cleared within less than two weeks once pending remittances from buyers and subsidies are finalized.
“The remaining balance is expected to be cleared within less than two weeks upon completion of the pending remittances from the respective buyer including compensation for losses and the subsidy,” the notice further stated.
The county administration said the programme is part of broader efforts, aimed at supporting mango farmers through market access initiatives, post-harvest support and value addition.
Murang’a County has in recent years intensified support for fruit farming, as part of its agricultural transformation agenda, with mango farming emerging as one of the key cash crop enterprises targeting both local and export markets.
The governor reiterated that the county government remains committed to supporting farmers and strengthening agricultural value chains for sustainable economic growth.
“Murang’a county government remains committed to supporting mango farmers, enhancing market access and strengthening the mango value chain for sustainable agricultural growth,” stated the public notice.
By Bernard Munyao and Catherine Kamunyo
