Micro Small Entreprises Authority Embu/Tharaka Nithi region recently welcomed a delegation from Elimika self-help of Tana River County-Hola, led by Mr. Zachary Kibara ADED Tana River/Lamu region, and Mr. Richard Mutua of CISP-rebuild project officer.
The purpose of the visit was to benchmark and network with established mango value chain actors in Embu County. The team, which is involved in the mango value chain, was taken to Karurumo Horticulture, located in the Karurumo area of Runyenjes constituency.
The center serves as a horticulture produce aggregation and value addition hub for mangoes, bananas, and other crops, owned and managed by Karurumo Aggregators and Processors Association. The association has successfully added value to mangoes by developing various products.
During the visit, the two groups interacted, exchanged ideas, and shared success stories and challenges related to product development, marketing, and group dynamics/management.
The Elimika group also had the opportunity to learn about banana value addition from the same association and from Faith Mbogo of Kikai Foods Group located in Kirigi Manyatta constituency.
MSEA Embu Mr. Munoru Edward emphasized that, there is need to embrace intercounty entrepreneurial networks and benchmarking for sustainable MSEs growth and development as well market linkages.