Nut association backs Kagwe's macadamia sector reforms

The Macnut Association of Kenya(MACNUT) has rallied behind Agriculture and Livestock CS Mutahi Kagwe on the transformative potential of value addition in the macadamia nut sector.

This follows a recent presentation by the CS in the Senate highlighting the value addition in the macadamia sector.

During the exchange, CS Kagwe had emphasised the importance of quality and the country's capability to process all macadamia nuts produced into value-added products.

He cited an established processing capacity of 120,000 metric tons with investments exceeding 15 billion Kenyan shillings.

MACNUT Association chairperson Jane Maigua reiterated the association's commitment to supporting macadamia farmers as the harvesting season started on March 1, 2025. 

She emphasised that processors are ready to purchase mature nuts at various collection points established across key growing regions, including Murang’a, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Meru, Embu, Machakos, Taita Taveta, Baringo, Bomet, Transzoia, and Makueni.

Maigua urged all farmers to bring their mature, high-quality nuts to the designated collection centres to ensure they can take advantage of the fair prices offered.

She said messages have been dispatched by respective processing companies outlining the locations of the centers, along with contact numbers for inquiries.

Maigua emphasised that no farmer should accept payment below the minimum guaranteed price of Sh100 per kilogramme as stipulated by CS Kagwe.

She asked farmers to dismiss any allegations suggesting that processors are buying nuts for less than the amount and cautioned them against selling their produce to unscrupulous brokers who may attempt to undermine this price standard. 

“We are committed to ensuring that you are not exploited and receive a fair price for your efforts,” she said.

The MACNUT Association said it is working on plans to implement higher pricing for premium quality nuts, even as it aims to expand into global retail and consumer markets.

The association encouraged farmers to register with cooperatives and groups, which will serve as conduits for ongoing support, including access to certified seedlings, subsidised bio-fertilisers, training programmes, dehusking technologies, and financial opportunities from carbon credits.

Maigua highlighted that selling nuts in their shell jeopardises over 200,000 decent jobs created within the value addition chain. 

The jobs encompass various sectors, including the production of processed macadamia kernels, macadamia oils for edible and cosmetic industries, macadamia butter, snacks, confectioneries, and by-products such as fertilisers and jet fuel.

By focusing on high-quality, value-added products, the association aims to protect and expand these vital employment opportunities for Kenyans.