State defends ban on raw macadamia exports to protect farmer

Samuel Waititu-KNA

The Government has reiterated its resolve to ban exportation of raw macadamia to curb exploitation of farmers.

Deputy President, Prof. Kithure Kindiki said the government will not compromise in the implementation of the ban.

The DP directed Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) to ensure enforcement and adherence of the ban.

“We want value addition done on macadamia nuts before exportation which will increase prices in the market and also returns to farmers,” the DP stated.

Speaking when he opened the first National Macadamia Conference 2025 in Embu, the Deputy President said the ban aims to boost local processing of the nuts including value addition that is key in attracting more markets and buyers.

He said the government will not just sit back and watch farmers being exploited through exportation of nuts at a throwaway price.

But the ban did not go well with some farmers who argued that it would hurt them and traders who rely on direct export.

They argued that the ban restricts them from selling their produce at competitive prices in the global markets, thus affecting potential economic benefits.

The government, however, maintained that the ban will help streamline the sector that largely remains untapped yet full of immense potential.

The conference themed “Empowering Kenya’s Macadamia Industry through Collaboration for Enhanced Value and Sustainability” brought together farmers, experts, government agencies and private sector players as part of policy action to streamline the sector.

Kenya is said to be one of the top producers of macadamia nuts in the world with last year’s national production standing at 49,183 metric tons, representing nearly 20 per cent of the global demand.

The leading counties in the country in macadamia production are Murang’a, Meru, Embu and Kiambu, said PS for State Department for Agriculture Dr. Paul Ronoh.

He noted that only 40 per cent of macadamia produced in the country is processed, which offers a huge opportunity for value addition and employment creation. AFA has so far licensed 36 processors.

“The policy of the government is that there will be exportation of raw macadamia, we have to do value addition to increase farmers’ earnings and also create employment for the youth,” he said.