Central13 March 2026 - 09:41

Nuts processors now seek to expand exports market

Kenya is one of the world’s leading producers of macadamia nuts with annual exports raking in Sh5bn.

by ALICE WAITHERA

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Kenya’s macadamia industry is positioning itself for expanded market access as the newly elected board of the Macadamia Association of Kenya takes office.

At the heart of the board’s agenda is an intensified effort to pursue new export destinations, with India, with a population of over 1.4 billion, identified as a priority target market this year.

The move follows strong demand in traditional markets such as the US, Europe, Japan, China and the Middle East, where Kenyan nuts have built a reputation for high quality.

Pally Muthathai, the newly elected chairperson of MACNUT’s two‑year board, said the association intends to consolidate its position both regionally and internationally.

This is by mobilising members and forging stronger partnerships across the value chain.

“We have the potential to increase our production beyond the current capacity if we continue to train farmers on good agricultural practices and roll out seedling distribution initiatives,” he said.

“These will improve yields and quality, helping us to meet market specifications and unlock higher‑value opportunities,” Muthathai said.

Kenya is one of the world’s leading producers of macadamia nuts.

Historically, it accounts for a significant share of global supply with the annual production ranging around 51,000 tonnes worth about Sh5 billion with nearly 95 per cent of the output destined for overseas markets.

“Kenya has the capacity to export over 6,500 tonnes of kernel annually but every year has its own dynamics, and market demand may not always absorb all production as anticipated.”

The new leadership will prioritise expanding farmer membership to strengthen the association’s influence and advocacy.

A major goal is to improve collaboration with stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, including government agencies, processors, exporters and farming cooperatives.

“We want all members to join because unity is the only way we can drive the industry forward,” Muthathai said.

He said effective coordination among stakeholders will be crucial as the sector confronts persistent challenges, including price volatility, quality standards and policy uncertainty.

He reiterated that the organisation is working with the World Macadamia Organisation and other partners to raise awareness of Kenyan nuts in emerging markets, particularly in Asia where per capita nut consumption is growing.

Kenya’s macadamia industry has faced structural challenges that have weighed on farmer incomes and export performance.

Policy measures, such as restrictions on exporting raw, in‑shell nuts, have sparked debate among stakeholders.

Regulators have maintained that the export ban protects the value of Kenyan produce by forcing local processing, which enhances earnings and creates jobs.

However, farmers and some traders argue that the policy suppresses prices at farm gate and limits market access, particularly in markets like China that have strong demand for nut in shell.

Concerns have also been raised on the inconsistent maturity and grading at harvest that contribute to lower recovery rates and affect Kenya’s ability to meet the stringent standards demanded by premium markets in the EU and elsewhere.

Further, MACNUT plans to advocate for a coordinated national approach that brings together extension services, research institutions and private sector partners to help farmers adopt innovations that reduce losses to pests and diseases.

“We will support extensive technical training on good agricultural practices and post‑harvest handling to enhance kernel quality.

Rapid adoption of improved seedlings and agronomic methods will also be central to raising productivity,” the chairperson said.