Murang’a County is taking proactive steps to expand its agricultural export markets by targeting the United States and China. Two separate delegations from the county are scheduled to embark on international trade missions in a bid to open new opportunities for its key agricultural products avocados, coffee, and tea in these global markets.
Deputy Governor Stephen Munania will lead a delegation to the United States, where they plan to engage with investors and stakeholders in Boston and Washington, D.C., with the goal of securing new export opportunities for Murang’a’s coffee and avocado produce. The mission is expected to take place later this week and will focus on establishing long-term relationships with U.S. businesses and exploring avenues to enhance the county’s agricultural exports.
At the same time, Governor Irungu Kang’ata will head another delegation to China, scheduled for the following week. This mission also aims to open new export markets, with a particular emphasis on the growing demand for quality coffee in China. Governor Kang’ata has expressed optimism about the potential for Kenyan coffee and avocados to gain a foothold in the Chinese market. Noting that China’s population of 1.4 billion people represents a vast consumer base, he highlighted the country’s recent adoption of coffee culture as a significant opportunity for Kenyan exporters.
Murang’a County is a leading producer of avocados in Kenya, and expanding direct markets for the region’s farmers is expected to significantly boost their returns. According to Kang’ata, the high population and rapidly growing coffee culture in China could make the country one of the largest coffee markets in the world. By targeting China, Murang’a hopes to secure a steady demand for both avocados and coffee, thus improving the livelihoods of local farmers.
In addition to coffee and avocados, tea remains another key agricultural product for Murang’a, with the county being one of the largest producers of the commodity in Kenya. The county’s tea industry generates substantial revenue, contributing billions to the local economy. As part of the trade mission, representatives from local farmer cooperatives will join the delegations to help identify the most promising markets and ensure that Murang’a’s agricultural products meet the demands of international consumers.
Murang’a’s agricultural sector is supported by a well-organized network, with various entities managing the different crops. The avocado sector is represented by a farmers’ association, while tea is overseen by factories affiliated with the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA). The coffee industry is managed by cooperative societies, which play a crucial role in organizing and advocating for local farmers.
In addition to the international missions, Murang’a County plans to host an investment conference in June. The conference will focus on attracting manufacturers and agricultural processors to explore local opportunities, particularly in the value addition sector for agricultural products. Governor Kang’ata emphasized that the conference would bring together key players in the agricultural industry to discuss ways to enhance production and export capabilities, as well as strategies for value addition to increase the profitability of agricultural commodities.
The county government is committed to supporting farmers and ensuring they take full advantage of the resources and opportunities available. As part of this effort, both the county and national governments have implemented initiatives designed to boost coffee production and improve the overall efficiency of agricultural processes. With Murang’a’s coffee prices on the rise and its expanding role in the avocado and tea markets, the county is well-positioned to capitalize on its agricultural potential and forge stronger ties with international markets.
By increasing its exports and attracting investment in the agricultural sector, Murang’a County hopes to ensure long-term economic growth and improve the livelihoods of its farming community.
