New wave of macadamia nuts consumption hits Nairobi

Nairobi city centre and its environs have witnessed an unusual product in the list of wares of hawkers, grocers and some shopkeepers.

Not witnessed before, the once pricey macadamia nuts are now hawked at low prices in the city centre, major roads and estates.

In April, Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria lifted the ban on export of raw macadamia which was imposed in 2015, but the product has ended up in the streets.

Jennifer Wacera hawks along Tom Mboya in the capital city.

She told Wananchi Reporting they are sourcing the nuts from Mt Kenya region at low prices then hawk them for Sh50 per kilogramme.

“There is a surplus and consumption in Nairobi is high especially for those having them for the first time. On a good day I sell more than 25 kilogrammes,” she said.

In estates, children disinterested in eating the nuts have resorted to playing with them.

Philip Omwancha, a resident of Kasarani buys the nuts twice every week.

“I consumed them for the first time last month. They keep me busy while working at home” he said.

Farmers are selling the once-lucrative product for Sh30 per kilogramme, down from Sh180 per kilogramme, some years back.

Misheck Karagu, a farmer in Murang’a said the ban on export of raw nuts opened an avenue for local processors to exploit farmers.

“Now there is a surplus, so local processors are buying from us at throw away prices. Some have opted other ways to dispose of them like selling to hawkers and grocers” Karagu laments.