There are no plans to lift export ban on macadamia - CS Kagwe

Kenya imposed the ban in November 2024 to deal with the problem of harvesting immature nuts and was extended by CS Kagwe on February 28.

Kagwe told the Senate on Wednesday that the ban will remain imposed to ensure farmers get competitive prices for macadamia and provide better opportunities.

He added that the government is working with relevant stakeholders to implement a guaranteed minimum price of Ksh.100 per Kg of macadamia nuts.

CS Kagwe added that farmers will be aided to form cooperatives within their counties and can negotiate with local processors and exporters on trading rates.

"Processors and exporters will enter into a contractual agreement with the farmers," he told Senators. 

Likewise, he added that farmers have been urged to register under the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management System (KIAMIS) to benefit from the government's subsidy programs.

Kagwe further believes that if a Macadamia Nuts Standing Committee, comprising stakeholders, is formed, a mechanism to determine farm gate prices will be created to avoid farmer exploitations.

The Agriculture CS also noted that the state is adopting more informed strategies to implement better returns for tea farmers.

Some of the reforms include enforcing the Tea (Registration and Licensing) regulation, 2025 to curb tem hawking malpractices that often lead to the processing of low-quality leaves.

"Facilitate allocation of land for the establishment of a Common User Facility (CUF) at Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zome (SEZ) and facilitate Joint Ventures and PPP in tea value addition within the SEZs," Kagwe added.

Kagwe added that the government plans to establish a tea-tasting centre in Mombasa to ascertain the quality of tea before exporting.