By YOANA KIMWELE
The County Government of Kitui showcased its vast agribusiness and livestock investment opportunities during the 9th Africa Agri Expo 2026 held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi.
The county participated in the continental expo, held alongside the 2nd Future Food, Livestock & Poultry Expo 2026, to highlight its agricultural potential and attract investors into value addition and agribusiness ventures.
Speaking during a panel discussion on county perspectives in unlocking Africa’s agricultural and livestock business opportunities, Kitui County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock, Dr. Stephen Mbaya, outlined key investment areas across the county’s value chains.
Dr. Mbaya called for increased investment in mango processing to curb post-harvest losses and boost value addition, noting that Kitui remains one of the country’s leading mango producers. He further highlighted opportunities in processing and packaging drought-tolerant crops such as green grams and pigeon peas, as well as the need for modern cold storage facilities to support the county’s high agricultural output.
He also emphasized the commercial potential of Kitui honey, known for its rich acacia nectar, saying it ranks among the finest globally and offers strong prospects for packaging and export to enhance farmers’ incomes.
In the livestock sector, the CECM pointed to Kitui’s large population of meat goats and urged investors to establish a modern abattoir to enable meat processing and access to lucrative export markets, particularly in the Middle East.
Dr. Mbaya added that the Kitui County Industrial Park presents ready opportunities for investors to set up leather tanneries, abattoirs, cold storage facilities, packaging plants and other value addition enterprises to support the county’s expanding agriculture and livestock sectors.
The expo brought together national and county leaders, investors, agribusiness stakeholders, policymakers and development partners from across Africa and beyond to foster partnerships and expand investment in agriculture and livestock.
Pictorial below
Thursday, February 12, 2026
