Executive Summary

A need has been identified among LEK member counties to develop agro-industries for enhanced trade, job creation, and poverty reduction, supported by LEK’s Regional Agricultural Policy and Industrialisation Strategy (2025–2063). The study aimed to identify sustainable agro-processing value chains to drive industrialisation and regional market integration. Through high-level and deep-dive assessments, 13 value chains were selected, including maize, wheat, rice, soybeans,driedbeans, groundnuts, sunflower, Passion fruits,Oranges, mangoes,Pinapples,Avacodo, biomass, poultry (duck/goose), beef, and goat meat. These were analysed based on production, trade, processing, SPS standards, and market dynamics. Fieldwork in six counties involved interviews with stakeholders and identified 380 Most Significant Factors (MSFs) – 309 from interviews and 71 from secondary data – classified into 18 categories. Common challenges included inadequate infrastructure, poor access to finance, inconsistent standards, and weak market linkages. Opportunities were found in import substitution, export potential, and agro-tech investment. The findings highlight the region’s untapped potential to develop strong, sustainable agro-value chains and transform local economies. Kitui Multi Processors Company Limited proposes a structured investment transaction in the form of a loan facility amounting to USD 10 million. The capital raised will be allocated strategically across four core business segments—fruit juice processing, cereal flour production, animal feed Founders’ Profiles Dr. Festus Mutiso Dr. Festus Mutiso is a development and academic leader with a diverse background in agricultural development, higher education, and philanthropy. He is currently a lecturer at South Eastern Kenya University, having previously served as Deputy Provincial Poultry Director for the Eastern Province and as a Senior Lecturer at Moi University. Dr. Mutiso is a Founding Director of MEEMA Trust (Centre for Philanthropy and Social Responsibility), a pioneering Kenyan institution that promotes local giving, corporate social responsibility, and resource mobilization to improve livelihoods through policy research and technical assistance. He has served as a consultant to Save Life Foundation, World Neighbors, and held the role of Research Officer at South Eastern Kenya University. His governance experience includes serving as Chairman of the CIDI Board, Chairperson of Central Medical Centre, and member of numerous national committees including the National Advisory Committee for Health Research, Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF) Selection Committee, and the National Committee for Social Dimensions of Development. Dr. Mutiso is a founding member of the NGO Coalition for East Africa, a thought leader in cross-sector partnerships, and continues to champion philanthropy and sustainable development across the region. Dr. Nzomo Mwita, PhD Dr. Nzomo Mwita is a highly respected development expert with over 25 years of experience working with national and international organizations in social development, governance, and public health. His most recent role was as Lead Social Development Specialist at the Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF) covering the East Africa region. Dr. Mwita has served in key roles at AMREF, the United Nations Volunteers Program, and various academic institutions, where he taught urban and regional planning for over a decade. He is a renowned expert in community-driven development, social accountability, emergency response, peace building, and infrastructure planning in both urban and rural contexts. He holds a PhD in Applied Anthropology with a focus on Social Policy from the University of Heidelberg (Germany), an MSc in Community Health & Health Management, and a PhD in Public Health and Monitoring & Evaluation from Kenyatta University. Dr. Mwita also holds a BA and MA in Social Sciences from Kenyatta University. He has served on boards including AMREF Africa, Community Integrated Development International, and numerous advisory bodies in the development space. Dr. Julius Mutiso Dr. Julius Mutiso brings over 25 years of experience in inclusive finance, development program design, and health systems strengthening. He is the former Managing Director of Forever Living Development Agency (FLDA), a role he held from 1999 to 2012. He is currently a Medical Doctor Practitioner at Rescue Mission Rehabilitation Centre. In 2011, Dr. Mutiso was awarded Outstanding Social Entrepreneur in East Africa by the East Africa Economic Forum and Del Monte for his efforts in expanding inclusive financial markets. He serves on several development and corporate boards, including the Aga Khan Foundation Regional Committee for East Africa, Parl Medical Suppliers (Chairman), Adnai Company Ltd, Persuit Company Ltd, and Mukao Mashinani Ltd. Dr. Mutiso holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Nairobi and a Diploma in Economics from Makerere University, Uganda. Justus M. Sune Justus M. Sune is a distinguished development leader with over three decades of experience in community development, nonprofit leadership, governance, and institution building. He is the Executive Director of Community Integrated Development International (CIDI), where he has served for 18 years, guiding the organization into one of Kenya’s leading development actors. His expertise spans sustainable community development, structured giving, women’s empowerment, youth development, and corporate social investment. He has overseen the establishment of innovative projects such as the CIDI Agro-processing Factory, a healthcare facility on 250 acres, and CIDI Investment Holdings, an endowment-driven investment company. Justus holds credentials in Organization Development, Community Development Management, and Accounting (CPA I). He serves on numerous nonprofit boards and was honored with the Exemplary Men’s Leadership Award (2015) in Mauritius. Jane Katethya Jane Katethya is a respected voice in Kenya’s civil society sector, with 18 years of experience in community development, human rights, and governance. She began her career as a field officer applying participatory methods to engage communities in designing development programs, later transitioning into governance and policy analysis. Jane is a pioneer in developing Community-Led Participatory Change Plans, a rights-based approach that empowers citizens—especially those in poverty—to influence county development plans. She emphasizes social accountability and downward accountability across organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Kenyatta University and is a member of the Global Monitoring and Evaluation Network, supporting program quality across the development sector. Ms. Rose K. Muanga Ms. Rose Muanga is a development entrepreneur and the Founder and Managing Partner of Kitui Multi Processors Company Limited. With a background in business administration and education, Rose has held senior roles in the Ministry of Education, and most recently worked as an Information Officer at CIDI. She is the Chairperson of Bidii Women’s Group, which she helped transform from a self-help group into a regulated private company under the Companies Act. Her experience spans organizational leadership, business transformation, and community enterprise development. Rose holds a Diploma in Business Administration from KIPS Kenya, and a Bachelor of Education from Kenyatta University College. Ms. Maggy M. Kamau Ms. Maggy Kamau is the Managing Director of Kivandeni Orphan Children Centre and a founding member of several development-focused organizations. With over 16 years of experience managing orphan care programs, she also serves as the Finance & Administrative Officer at CIDI. Maggy has previously worked with Windle Trust Kenya and Amazon (USA) and sits on several boards including Community Health Care Services, National Informal Sector Consortium, and Kyawea Association. She is also a Founding Trustee of the Kivandeni Girls’ College. She holds a Master’s Degree from Kenyatta University, and is widely respected for her contributions to child welfare, education, and grassroots development.