In the Ithiani village of Changwithya West in Kitui County sits Sun Sweet Fruit Farm Products Limited, a small mango processing factory that has become a must-visit site for farmers seeking to add value to mangoes.
The brainchild of Simon Musyoka utilizes the scorching Kitui sun to make mango flakes which are then exported to international markets.
The farmer revealed he started the firm in 2019 with a capital of Sh5.2 million after quitting his paints shop and private school business in Nairobi to venture into mango farming.
Today, he produces various unsweetened, chemical preservative- and additive-free products, including mango flakes, mango jam, premium bathing soap, and lip balms.
“In producing our solar-dried mango flakes, we are not only taking advantage of the plentiful sunshine but leveraging on our naturally sweetened mangoes for the best quality of flakes,” the farmer said.
According to Musyoka, the natural sweetness and the solar drying of mango flakes gives them an edge over others that have to be sugared before they are packaged for the international market.
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“Kitui and Ukambani at large is known for naturally producing the sweetest mangoes the world over. Its sugar content is the best and falls between 13 to 16,” he said.
He, however, notes that while the business is profitable, it has its fair share of challenges, among them insufficient financial resources, slow market penetration, requisite equipment and manpower, and lack of optimum infrastructure.
He notes that he has been relying on loans or grants to run operations, optimistic that he will start earning dividends from his venture.
“It is a fact that this factory has enabled me to pay my bills and meet by personal and domestic obligations but we still have a long way to go in order to reach where I want it to be,” Musyoka said.
His firm has not only become his main source of income but has also created a ready market for mango farmers in the region.
He works with over 80 farmers from across Kitui, who supply his factory with the Kent and Apple varieties of mangoes.
He has also striked a mango flakes export deal with two french companies. While the market for his produce is slow locally he still has a good chunk of clients in Nairobi.
“I know that locals enjoy eating the fresh mangoes which are relatively cheaper compared to the mango flakes. But we will educate them on the need to embrace the mango flakes which are more nutritious and have a longer shelf life feasible for keeping hunger at bay,” he said.
Musyoka advised mango farmers in the region to utilise the sunshine to add value to their produce for more profit.
“Such valued addition to their produces would ensure farmers a steady source of income. Those who grow mangoes will on the other hand reduce wastage due to lack of immediate market,” he said.
