Kenya macadamia crisis: 30,000 tonnes unsold
Only 5% of expected macadamia nuts shipped before export window closed, leaving farmers and processors facing losses.
More than 30,000 metric tons of raw macadamia nuts remain unsold in Kenya after the export window closed on October 10. The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) reported that only 700 metric tons of the expected 14,000 metric tons were shipped before the deadline. This leaves processors and farmers counting significant losses due to the unexported allocation.
Industry stakeholders attribute the low export volume to bureaucratic hurdles and strict deadlines, preventing farmers from accessing international markets and improving farmgate prices. Kenya Macadamia Growers Association Vice Chairman Mureithi Gichabi urged the government to extend the export period, faulting the regulator for not facilitating the process. Nut Traders Association of Kenya Vice Chairman Njiru Kathangu called for predictable policies, including lifting the ban on raw nut exports to China.
Macadamia value chain expert Peter Mwangi warned the current crisis mirrors a similar situation three years ago. In Nakuru, large-estate representative Jacinta Mwai reported over 5,000 metric tons awaiting shipment, citing damage to investor confidence from policy uncertainty. A farmer in Murang’a, Jane Wambui, noted the glut has weakened farmers’ bargaining power, leading to low farmgate prices.
Why it mattersKenyan macadamia farmers and processors face financial losses due to unsold produce and depressed prices.