Ban on export of raw macadamia nuts will remain in force as a means of curbing exportation of farmers. Instead, the nuts will undergo mandatory value addition pending export that will in turn result in employment opportunities and to earn farmers higher incomes, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, says.

Prof Kindiki reiterated the government policy during a tour of Mt Kenya region earlier in the week. Central Kenya, together with the coast region are the leading producers of macadamia nuts.

Kindiki said there will be no compromise on implementation of the ban and directed Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) to ensure enforcement of and adherence to the ban.

“We want value addition done on macadamia nuts before exportation, which will increase prices in the market and also returns to farmers,” the DP explained.

Speaking when opened the first National Macadamia Conference 2025 in Embu this week, the deputy president said the ban is intended to boost local processing that will add value to the nuts, which is key in attracting more consumers and accessing new markets.

He said the government will not just sit back as farmers are exploited by middle through exportation of the nuts at a throwaway price.

The ban has not gone down well with some farmers who lament that it will hurt them and traders who rely on direct export. They say the ban restricts them from selling their produce at competitive prices in the global markets, thus adversely affecting potential economic benefits.

The government, however, maintains that the ban will help streamline the sector that largely is untapped as a key component of the economy.

The conference themed, Empowering Kenya’s Macadamia Industry Through Collaboration for Enhanced Value and Sustainability, brought together farmers, experts, government agencies and private sector players as part of policy review to streamline the sub-sector.

Kenya is one of the leading producers of macadamia nuts in the world, with last year’s production standing at 49,183 metric tonnes representing nearly 20 per cent of the global supply.

The leading counties in the country in macadamia production are Murang’a, Meru, Embu and Kiambu according to Principal Secretary State Department for Agriculture Paul Ronoh.

He noted that only 40 per cent of macadamia produced in the country is not processed, which offers a huge opportunity for value addition and employment creation. AFA has so far licenced 36 processors.

“The policy of the government is that there will be exportation of raw macadamia, we have to do value addition to increase farmers’ earnings and also create employment for the youth,” he said.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Samuel Waititu