The MACNUT Association, representing local macadamia nut processors, has welcomed the court’s decision to enjoin it and farmers in the ongoing case challenging the Cabinet Secretary’s directive to extend raw (in-shell) macadamia exports to China. This marks a critical step in ensuring farmers’ concerns are addressed.
The court has scheduled its final ruling for 16th February 2025, with MACNUT and other parties given two weeks to file their responses.
“This case is pivotal for Kenyan farmers, local processors, and the sustainability of our macadamia sector,” said Nicholas Njeru, Director at Jumbo Nuts and MACNUT’s representative.
Farmers have faced significant losses from the export policy, with middlemen offering low prices for raw nuts, leading to farm-gate price drops of up to 30%. Small-scale growers, especially, are struggling to maintain production. Local processors, who have heavily invested in capacity and competitiveness, are now facing raw nut shortages, operating below capacity, and witnessing over 5,000 job losses in 2024 alone.
“The policy has exposed farmers to exploitation while reversing progress made in developing Kenya’s value-added macadamia industry,” Njeru noted.
Environmental concerns also loom large. Exporters rely on firewood for drying nuts, exacerbating deforestation, unlike local processors who use macadamia shells as biofuel and compost.
MACNUT remains optimistic that the court will prioritise policies supporting farmers, local value addition, and sustainability. “This ruling is an opportunity to protect farmers, promote fair compensation, and strengthen the local industry,” Njeru added.
As preparations continue for the final court submissions, MACNUT calls for dialogue to safeguard the macadamia sector and reiterates its commitment to advancing policies that protect farmers, foster local processing, and uphold environmental sustainability.
