Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has issued a stern warning to macadamia processors, directing them to purchase all locally produced nuts at the government-set minimum price of Ksh100 per kilogram or risk the reopening of raw exports.
Speaking in Nyeri, the CS raised concern over exploitation of farmers by brokers who have been buying macadamia at significantly lower prices, in some cases as low as Ksh30 per kilo. He warned that such practices undermine farmers’ livelihoods and threaten the sustainability of the sector.
Kagwe urged processors under the Macadamia Association of Kenya to absorb all produce and support local value addition, noting that this would protect jobs and ensure fair returns for farmers.
“We will not allow exploitation of farmers. Processors must take responsibility and support local production,” he said.
In addition to addressing macadamia pricing, the CS unveiled an ambitious coffee recovery programme aimed at revitalising the sector. The initiative targets an increase in national coffee production from 49,000 metric tonnes to 150,000 metric tonnes.
The programme will involve the distribution of one million coffee seedlings in Nyeri County, alongside an additional 10,000 seedlings for top-performing factories in each county across the country.
Gachatha Coffee Factory was among the beneficiaries, receiving 200,000 seedlings valued at over Ksh12 million in recognition of its strong performance, having paid farmers Ksh155 per kilo.
Kagwe also turned his attention to the management of factory debts, warning tea and coffee factories against reckless borrowing. He emphasised that the government will no longer tolerate poor financial management, insisting that factories seeking loans must present clear and viable business plans.
“We cannot continue writing off debts without accountability. There must be proper financial discipline,” he stated.
In a significant development for the region, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga announced the allocation of 20 acres of land to the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) for the establishment of the county’s first agricultural research hub.
The facility will also host the Kenya School of Agriculture and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), creating a centre for innovation and research in agriculture.
Kagwe said the new hub will play a key role in improving crop and livestock productivity, supporting farmers and strengthening the country’s long-term food security.
The announcements signal a renewed push by the government to reform key agricultural sectors, protect farmers and enhance productivity through targeted interventions.
