Paul Arithi 
- Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe Defends Macadamia Export Ban,Highlights Progress in Tea Sector Forum.
The Government has commited to protect Kenya’s macadamia and tea sectors, appearing before the Senate Plenary to address concerns raised by Senator Murango.This was reaffirmed by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe.
On revitalizing the nuts and oil value chain, the CS noted that the ban on raw macadamia (in-shell) exports will remain in place to safeguard over 200,000 jobs and boost local processing.
He emphasized that lifting the ban would hurt the macadamia value chain, contradicting the government’s push for value addition and local industrial growth.
Between July 2023 and February 2025, Kenya earned Kshs 8.7 billion from exporting 10,670 tons of processed macadamia, compared to Kshs 2.3 billion from 14,384.6 tons of raw macadamia. Processed macadamia fetches Ksh 816/kg, far higher than Ksh 161/kg for in-shell nuts.
“We are focused on supporting farmers and processors rather than lifting the export ban.Farmers will be assisted in forming cooperatives to negotiate better prices and will be incorporated into KIAMIS for access to government subsidies”.
“We are also implementing a minimum guarantee price of Ksh 100/kg.to further support the sector, the government will protect local processors from unfair competition, provide training on production techniques and quality enhancement, and facilitate international market access while establishing a regular production calendar for effective quality control”.
On ensuring Transparency & Maximizing Earnings from the Tea Sector, CS Kagwe dispelled claims of illegal tea blending before the auction, clarifying that blending occurs after the auction as per market requirements.
He emphasized that the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK) conducts compliance audits on warehouses and blending facilities and performs surveillance audits to ensure adherence to Good Agricultural and Manufacturing Practices.
The government has also introduced a traceability system to track tea from farm to auction, enhancing transparency and accountability.
Reviewing the progress of tea sector reforms, CS Kagwe highlighted that monthly farmer earnings have increased from Ksh 16 to Ksh 21/20 in the East and West of the Rift.
Tea export earnings have grown from Ksh 136.5 billion in 2021 to Ksh 181.69 billion in 2024.
Value-added tea production has increased from 20.3 million kg in 2022 to 28.89 million kg in 2024, raising sales value from Ksh 3.5 billion to Ksh 12.08 billion.
The sector has also expanded into specialty and orthodox teas, supported by government initiatives such as subsidized fertilizers and other farm input cost reductions.
CS Kagwe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering farmers, strengthening value chains, and ensuring global competitiveness for Kenya’s agricultural exports.
