Isaac Mwangi’s engagement in agribusiness began in the 1990s, during which he supplied mangoes sourced from Malindi.
Initially, he procured mangoes from Malindi and distributed them to various sellers.
Later, he relocated to Makueni, where he sourced mangoes directly from farmers to supply to larger retail outlets.
Mwangi continued this venture until 2001, when he collaborated with a friend to establish their own company, named Keitt Exporters.
“I started supplying mangos in 1990 from Malindi and then later from Makueni where I was also a supplier. I would pick mangoes from Makueni and supply to big supermarkets in Nairobi
“After that I partnered with my friend and started this company in 2001. When we started, we has a lot of problems because the company was very small,” he said.
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Mwangi and his business partner encountered difficulties during the establishment of their company; however, they subsequently obtained funding that enabled the expansion of their business.
“Later on, with the blessings of God, we got some money from somewhere then we started coming up slowly until 2012 when we picked up up to where we are now,” he retaliated.
He credited the success of their company to diligent efforts and the assistance provided by government agencies, which directed them on the appropriate methods for conducting business.
“Though we had obstacles here and there, we have government bodies which helped us reach where we are today with the proper certifications, licenses and how to do things right,” Mwangi explained.
Mwangi also observed that currently, the company employs a team of technical managers who collaborate closely with farmers.
“We have a team of agronomists in our company who go to the ground and help the farmers to do things right. Otherwise, it is very hard for a farmer to do things which are not right,” he said.
