The Government in collaboration with Coca-Cola has embarked on plans to elevate the country’s mango business supply chain.
Investments, Trade, and Industry Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Salim Mvurya has since inaugurated a technical committee on establishing a sustainable mango supply chain industry.
The committee's formation follows a collaborative framework agreement signed between the Government of Kenya and Coca-Cola Central, East, and West Africa, along with Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya, during President William Ruto’s state visit to Atlanta in May this year.
The committee has been tasked in transforming the mango industry by exploring ways to enhance high-potential varieties throughout the entire value chain, from seed selection, planting to post-harvest handling, processing and marketing.
“This partnership between Kenya and Coca-Cola is a significant opportunity that must be seized. The committee has a vital role in exploring sustainable methods of producing high-quality mangoes that meet international standards, facilitate market access, and promote aggregation,”’ said Mvurya.
The CS noted that leveraging on existing markets negotiated through the regional bodies such as the East African Community (EAC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will enhance empowerment of farmers.
“Farmers need to be empowered to understand the requisite quality and standards required so as to link Kenyan mango farmers with local processing companies, as well as international buyers,” noted CS Mvurya.
“This can be achieved through close collaboration with county governments, which will play a key role in training and supporting farmers.”
The committee will further assess the impacts of seasons and build a more predictable supply chain, which will enable better planning and investment in processing and export.
“Mango farming has the potential to become a major economic driver for Kenya, transforming it from a seasonal fruit into a reliable cash crop that can support the livelihoods of thousands of farmers,” CS added.
The Coca-Cola team expressed strong confidence in the potential of supply the chain.
The technical committee is expected to deliver a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations to develop a sustainable and profitable mango supply chain early February next year.
