Embu farmer files petition against State's macadamia export ban

A petition has been filed challenging government’s decision to re-impose a ban on the export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts, a policy that has sparked opposition from farmers and industry stakeholders.

Christopher Njue, a farmer in Embu County representing a group of smallholder farmers, has sued the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, the Attorney General, and the Agriculture and Food Authority in an effort to halt the directive.  

Njue argues that the decision, set to take effect on January 5, will create a crisis for farmers, destabilize the industry and threaten livelihoods of over 30,000 people who rely on the sector.

The government had previously authorised the export of raw macadamia nuts for 30 days, a period which ends on January 4, 2025. But stakeholders are concerned that such piecemeal authorisation will continue in unpredictable short-term spurts, making it difficult for farmers and processors to plan for the future.

In his suit papers, the petitioner has expressed concern over the government’s decision, saying it would devastate smallholder farmers who rely heavily on macadamia farming as a primary source of income.

“If this policy remains in place, it will cause a crisis for farmers like myself. We rely on the macadamia industry to support our families and communities. If the government continues with this policy, we risk losing everything,” Njue said.

Njue’s concerns are echoed by other stakeholders in the macadamia value chain, which employs people engaged  farming, processing, and packaging.

He asserts that many farmers fear that the re-imposed ban will not only lower farm-gate prices but will also make it difficult for the local industry to compete with other countries that allow the export of raw macadamia nuts.

According to Njue, the ongoing uncertainty had resulted in job losses in the macadamia sub-sector, with over 5,000 people losing their jobs in 2024 due to the fluctuating export policy.

“If the ban is enforced, many more workers will be at risk, as processors may be forced to close down or reduce operations due to a lack of raw material,” he argues.

Lawyer Stephen Gitonga, representing Njue, argues that the government’s actions are unconstitutional and violate the rights of farmers. 

Kenya’s macadamia nuts are a key export product, with the country supplying over 95 per cent of its production to international markets in the US, European Union, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Canada.