New Milly Fruits Processing Plant Opens in Kilifi to Boost Mango Value Addition

A new processing facility for fruits has been opened in Kilifi County to help tackle major challenges in Kenya’s mango value chain. The Milly Fruits Processing Plant was officially launched on Tuesday by Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mungaro, and UK Deputy High Commissioner Diana Dialton.

Between 90 and 95 percent of mangoes produced in Kenya currently undergo no value addition. At the same time, 40 to 50 percent of the crop suffers post-harvest losses due to limited processing capacity and market access.

The KSh 250 million investment is expected to create 150 direct jobs. It will also provide market opportunities for more than 3,000 farmers in the region. The plant aims to reduce losses by turning raw mangoes into processed products with longer shelf life and higher value.

Kilifi County is one of Kenya’s key mango-producing areas along the coast. The new facility is designed to support local farmers by offering a reliable buyer and processing hub close to production zones.

The opening reflects growing investor confidence in Kenya’s agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Value addition through such plants is seen as a way to transform farming into a stronger driver of industrial growth, exports, and employment.

Government officials at the launch stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment for businesses. They noted that facilities like this one strengthen manufacturing and position Kenya as an attractive destination for investment in agro-processing.

The plant is expected to help farmers move beyond selling raw produce, which often fetches low prices and leads to high wastage. Processed mango products can reach wider markets locally and internationally.

Post-harvest losses remain a persistent issue for many fruit farmers in coastal counties. Improved processing infrastructure can extend the usability of mangoes and create new income streams through products such as juices, dried fruit, or purees.

The investment comes at a time when efforts are underway to modernise Kenya’s agricultural value chains. Linking farmers directly to processing plants reduces reliance on middlemen and improves earnings at the farm level.

Governor Gideon Mungaro welcomed the development as a boost for Kilifi’s economy. The facility is expected to support both smallholder farmers and the broader local business environment around the plant.

The UK Deputy High Commissioner’s presence at the launch highlighted international support for Kenya’s investment drive. Partnerships of this nature often bring technical expertise alongside capital for new projects.

The Milly Fruits Processing Plant adds to the growing number of agro-processing investments in coastal Kenya. Such developments are viewed as critical steps toward reducing waste and increasing the contribution of agriculture to national GDP.

Further details on the plant’s production capacity and specific product lines are expected to emerge as operations begin. The focus for now remains on delivering immediate benefits to farmers and creating sustainable jobs in Kilifi County.