Macadamia Farmers and Industry Leaders Defend Government Policies Amid Price Concerns

The Macadamia Nut Processors Association of Kenya (MACNUT) Chairperson, Jane Maigua, alongside local farmers, has rejected claims that recent government policies on macadamia have led to a significant price drop from Ksh 150 to Ksh 90 per kilogram.

Speaking in Diani, Kwale County, following a three-day workshop on Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe’s directives, Maigua emphasized that the new government policy aims to safeguard farmers by ensuring no one sells macadamia below Ksh 100 per kilo.

She attributed the price fluctuation to brokers with large raw macadamia stockpiles ready for export, not the policies themselves.

Maigua urged farmers to unite and support the government’s initiative to prohibit the sale of unprocessed macadamia, a move she believes will help create local jobs and ensure fair prices.

She also warned against unscrupulous dealers who might exploit the situation to create confusion and chaos in the industry.

Francis Kipsang, a macadamia farmer, expressed confidence in the government’s efforts, noting that they are geared toward improving exports and ensuring farmers get better returns for their hard work.

Macadamia, once viewed as a game-changing crop for farmers, is now at the heart of efforts to boost Kenya’s agricultural sector.

In addition to promoting responsible farming, the association urged farmers not to sell immature macadamia, warning that doing so could damage Kenya’s reputation for quality nuts, harm pricing, and lead to export bans, particularly in European markets.

In Nyeri County, James Muturi, Chair of the Agriculture County Executive Committee Members’ Caucus (representing 47 counties), also called for stricter enforcement of the ban on raw macadamia exports to the Chinese market.

Muturi stressed that the ban, coupled with increased local production, will benefit Kenyan farmers and processors, ultimately boosting the economy through value addition.

The government’s policy and local farmers are working together to protect and strengthen the macadamia industry, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability for all stakeholders.