Macadamia farmers face losses as only 700 tonnes ship before export window shuts
Only 700 of an expected 14,000 metric tonnes of raw macadamia nuts were exported before the window closed on October 10, The Star reports. More than 30,000 tonnes reportedly remain unsold, and growers want the deadline extended.
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…
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