Macadamia is a high-value export market cash crop that is mostly grown in the Central Eastern, and Coastal regions. The leading macadamia-producing counties in Kenya are Embu, Meru, Kiambu, Tharaka Nithi, Murang’a, Kirinyaga and Nyeri. Other counties which have promising potential are Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, and Machakos County. Besides the above-mentioned counties expansion is taking place into nontraditional production areas in Western and Rift Valley.
Annual production in 2022 was estimated at 42,562 MT valued at KES 2.4 billion at the farm gate up from 40,903 MT valued at 2.5 billion reported in 2021. The area currently covered by the macadamia crop is estimated at 8,746 hectares a 21% increase from 7,180 hectares reported in 2021. The highest increment was reported in Murang’a Meru and Embu counties accounting for more than 1000 hectares of the total increment. This increment is predominantly in terms of intercropping with other perennial and annual crops. Minimal increment in area under the crop was reported in the nontraditional production areas in Nyandarua, Baringo and Busia counties. The global macadamia industry is facing unprecedented low and fluctuating prices, which have negatively impacted local performance. Industry assessment indicates that many local companies have a surplus from the previous season, thus they are unable to mop up new stocks a farmgate. The decline in performance is aggravated by low nut quality resulting from pre-mature harvesting, insect damage, and poor storage conditions.
Nevertheless, the nuts in shell (NIS) market segment is expected to recover faster than the kernel market, considering that macadamia kernels are primarily used for snacks. Further, the production of mature and high-quality macadamia nuts would go a long way towards addressing the low performance. This will be attained through capacity building and good agricultural practices, timely harvesting and good post-harvest management practices, besides expansion of the domestic market for macadamia.
