Kenyan macadamia farmers face growing losses after a three-month window for raw nut exports closed without easing a market glut. The Star reports that more than 30,000 metric tonnes of raw nuts remain unsold in stores and on farms. Farmers had hoped exports would open foreign markets and lift farm-gate prices.
The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) allowed exports from July until October 10. It then blocked shipment of the allocation that had not yet gone out. In a recent report, AFA Acting Director-General Calistus Kundu said 14 companies shipped only 700 metric tonnes through the Port of Mombasa by the deadline. Exporters had expected to ship 14,000 metric tonnes.
Kenya Macadamia Growers Association Vice Chairman Mureithi Gichabi asked the government to extend the export period so dealers can meet their contracts. He said the regulator failed to help, even though exporters paid to gather the nuts and present them for inspection. He added that inconsistent policies were hurting the industry, which is worth billions of shillings. Some processing factories could close, he said.
Gichabi also criticised the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Summit 2026. He said macadamia stakeholders had no chance to present their concerns because the talks focused on other value chains. Nut Traders Association of Kenya Vice Chairman Njiru Kathangu called for predictable policies, including regular lifting of the ban on raw nut exports to China.
Value chain expert Peter Mwangi said the crisis mirrors one three years ago. Back then, surplus nuts forced farmers to hawk their produce, and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi temporarily lifted the export ban. Mwangi said farmers in Murang'a, Nyeri, Embu, Meru, Kirinyaga, Uasin Gishu and Baringo are affected.
Taita Taveta stakeholder Moses Karasha wants the AFA Act amended to remove restrictions on raw nut exports. He argued that local processors cannot absorb Kenya's annual output of about 75,000 metric tonnes. Other stakeholders proposed a government-backed fund, similar to the Coffee Cherry Advance Revolving Fund, to support processors and pay farmers on time.
In Nakuru, large-estate representative Jacinta Mwai said more than 5,000 metric tonnes are waiting to be shipped. She warned that policy uncertainty is damaging investor confidence and Kenya's reputation abroad. Murang'a farmer Jane Wambui said the glut has weakened farmers' bargaining power. Farm-gate prices have fallen to some of their lowest levels in recent years, she said.