The Macadamia Association of Kenya (MACNUT) has dismissed recent media reports that farmers are earning low prices for their produce this year, terming the claims misleading and inaccurate.

In a press statement issued by the association on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, they clarified that the 2025 macadamia season has recorded the highest farm-gate prices in over three years, signalling a strong recovery for the sector and renewed optimism among smallholder farmers across the country.

According to MACNUT, the remarkable turnaround was largely driven by the Government of Kenya’s decisive intervention through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, which introduced and enforced a floor price for macadamia nuts.

This policy, the association noted, helped shield farmers from exploitation by middlemen and ensured they directly benefited from the growing international demand for Kenyan macadamia.

According to MANCUT, Farmers who followed the government’s pricing guidelines earned no less than KSh 100 per kilogram, with most receiving between Ksh130 and Ksh150 during the peak of the season.

This marked a significant improvement compared to the period before the reforms, when brokers offered as little as Ksh 20 per kilogram.

“Farmers who adhered to the government’s price guidelines did not sell below KSh 100 per kilogram, and the majority earned between KSh 130 and KSh 150 during the peak season. This is a remarkable turnaround from as low as KSh 20 per kilogram offered by brokers before the reforms were implemented.” The statement read.

The association also highlighted that the government’s ban on the export of raw in-shell nuts allowed local processors to purchase and process nearly all available nuts. This move not only safeguarded local jobs but also promoted value addition and strengthened Kenya’s competitiveness in the global market.

Kenya’s role in macadamia production

Kenya currently ranks as the fourth-largest producer of macadamia nuts globally, with major export destinations including the United States, Europe, and China. Kenyan macadamias continue to enjoy a strong reputation worldwide for their rich and creamy quality.

Despite the positive performance, the second harvest season has been affected by increased pest infestations, which have impacted nut quality. MACNUT has urged the government, county agricultural departments, the private sector, and development partners to collaborate with farmers in addressing these challenges through biological and non-chemical pest control methods to safeguard future yields.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to building a fair, transparent, and profitable macadamia value chain that uplifts farmers, strengthens rural economies, and cements Kenya’s reputation as a global leader in premium macadamia production. It also commended the government for its continued partnership and visionary leadership, which has restored confidence, stability, and prosperity in this vital export sector.