Kenya's macadamia industry is showing early signs of recovery after the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development introduced a minimum farm-gate price of KSh100 per kilogram, about US$0.77 per kilogram, together with the continued ban on in-shell exports. The Macadamia Association of Kenya reports that growers received KSh130 to KSh150 per kilogram during the 2025 season, roughly US$1.00 to US$1.15 per kilogram. In past years, prices had dropped to KSh20 per kilogram, or about US$0.15 per kilogram.
Kenya is the world's fourth-largest macadamia producer, with cultivation mainly in Meru, Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, and Murang'a counties and an estimated 200,000 smallholder growers. The export ban, reinstated in 2024, has routed more raw nuts into the country's 30 licensed processors supplying the United States, Europe, and China. MACNUT stated that "The market has stabilized, and farmers are again harvesting with optimism. A clear pricing structure gives growers predictability, and the ban on raw nut exports ensures that more value is retained locally."
However, the sector continues to face pest-related losses and uneven enforcement of the pricing framework. MACNUT chair Jane Maigua reported that Kenya produces about 45,000 metric tons of macadamia nuts annually, with 44,100 tons marketable. Around 17,640 tons are lost to insect damage, including more than 2,200 tons of exportable kernels. She estimated the losses at KSh2.88 billion per year, equal to about US$22.15 million. KEPHIS identifies stink bugs, nut borers, lace bugs, moths, rats, and thrips as key pests, noting that climate change is intensifying pressure and reducing chemical efficacy.
In a meeting with sector leaders, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said farmers are facing "unprecedented losses" and directed AFA, KEPHIS, PCPB, and county governments to expand pest-management training and improve communication through radio and field extension. The Pest Control Products Board stated it can fast-track emergency-use approvals for organic and pyrethrum-based pesticides once pest pressure is confirmed.
Kagwe also emphasised protecting PPCK's scientific formulation data. "In my opinion, what you should have done, and this company would be very rich, is for them (private firms) to access this data, and are they paying something? How do you give free things?" he said.
Source 1: Floriculture
Source 2: Citizen Digital
