Macadamia farmers had more reason to smile in 2025 after improved production and better prices lifted the value of the crop to Sh8.6 billion, up sharply from the Sh4.95 billion recorded a year earlier.
Figures from the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) show that Kenya harvested 53,968.16 tonnes of macadamia during the year, compared with 49,183 tonnes in 2024. The crop value rose by 73 per cent over the same period, with better farm gate prices playing a major role in the increase.
Prices remained firm for much of the year, although farmers experienced some changes depending on the availability of nuts in different seasons.
According to AFA, prices began the year at between Sh70 and Sh100 before rising as processors and exporters increased their activities.
"During the year 2025, farm gate pinces were generally stable. with slight fluctuations reported when supplies were out of sea-son. The year started with prices ranging between Sh70 and Sh100 and continued to increase as the processing and export activities gained momentum, resulting sn competitive prices." the regula-for said.
The strongest gains were recorded towards the end of the main harvesting period, when farmers in some areas saw prices almost double.
"Towands the close of the hugh season in August and September the prices had doubled in some production areas to close at a range of Sht20 to Sh150 in most production zones.?
The higher returns came alongside an expansion in the area under macadamia. AFA records indicate that land devoted to the crop increased from 9,336 hectares in 2024 to 10,185 hectares in 2025.
This translated to an additional 549 hectares, made up of new farms as well as replanted sections of existing orchards.
The Rift Valley recorded the biggest growth in macadamia acreage, with Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo among the counties registering increased cultivation.
Despite the expansion in other areas, the central region remained the country's main source of macadamia. Murang'a, Meru, Embu and Kirinyaga continued to account for the biggest share of production.
AFA also pointed to pest control as one of the factors behind the improved harvest. Measures taken to deal with pests helped reduce damage to the crop while improving nut quality and recovery.
"A notable driver of improved yields in 2025 was pest control in-terventions. This coordinated effort significantly reduced pest-re lated losses and improved nut quality and recovery rates, thereby increasing overall productivity per hectane?the regulator said.
The picture was different in Kiambu, where macadamia production continued to fall. The county has been losing both acreage and output as more agricultural land is taken up by construction and other uses.
"In contrast, Kiambu County continues to experience a gradual decline in both area and pro-duction. Rapid urbanisation, land subdivision, and real estate devel opment have led to the conversion of agricultural land into res idential and commercial uses. In addstion, some aging orchards have not been replaced at a com parable rate. contributing to reduced output in 20252
Kenya accounts for about a fifth of global macadamia production, with annual output standing at around 50,000 tonnes. The crop is largely produced for overseas markets, with about 98 per cent of Kenyan macadamias exported.
The United States remains the biggest destination, accounting for about 35 per cent of exports. Germany, the Netherlands, China and Hong Kong are also important markets for Kenyan macadamia.
The country is now looking beyond these established destinations as it seeks to create more room for its growing production.
India has been identified as a target market as Kenya works to increase exports and reduce dependence on a small number of overseas buyers.
AFA has described India as an early high-growth market for macadamia, supported by its expanding consumer base, growing interest in healthier foods and lower import tariffs that have made the nuts more affordable.
The push into India comes as Kenya continues to expand production, improve yields and seek stronger returns for farmers from the macadamia value chain.