Macadamia farmers urge government to lift raw nut export ban

Speaking in Kabare, Gichugu, the farmers — led by James Muthike, Jonah Muriuki and Josiah Nguu — called on the Ministry of Agriculture to review Section 43 of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Act, which prohibits the export of raw macadamia nuts.

According to the farmers, the ban has exposed them to exploitation by brokers who have taken advantage of limited market access. James Muthike said the restriction created a vacuum that middlemen quickly filled, offering low prices to desperate farmers.

Peter Mathenge said the market was only reopened on February 1, 2026, after months of uncertainty. However, he noted that the ban contributed to increased theft of macadamia nuts, including harvesting of unripe produce from farms.

Josiah Nguu emphasized the need to allow more international buyers, especially Chinese firms, arguing that increased competition would stabilize and potentially improve prices.

Serah Wanjiru said that since the market reopened, macadamia nuts have been selling at between Ksh. 80 and Ksh. 120 per kilogram. She called for price standardization to ensure farmers receive fair and predictable returns.

The farmers also accused the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) of poor planning when it imposed the ban last year, saying the decision left farmers vulnerable to losses and exploitation.

Cecily Njoki questioned the effectiveness of the policy, linking it to rising cases of theft and illegal trade during the ban period.

The farmers are now appealing to the government to review the policy framework governing the sector. They argue that lifting the export ban on raw nuts and licensing more buyers would create a competitive market, improve prices, and ultimately safeguard farmers’ livelihoods.

Mathenge said the situation underscores the need for a more balanced regulatory approach that protects farmers’ interests while ensuring orderly growth of the macadamia industry.