MACNUT Elects New Board to Steer Kenya’s Macadamia Industry Amid Export Shifts

The Macadamia Association of Kenya (MACNUT) has elected a new board to lead the industry body as Kenya’s macadamia sector navigates changing export market dynamics and renewed calls to strengthen farmer earnings.

The new board, elected during the association’s Annual General Meeting held on February 27, will be chaired by Pally Muthathai. Other officials include Bernard Sitati as treasurer, Lisa Muriuki as secretary, and Mwiti Kobia and Amir Yusuf as directors.

The leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for the macadamia industry, which has in recent years faced fluctuations in global demand, debates around raw nut exports, and pressure to ensure farmers benefit more from the crop’s growing international market.

Speaking on behalf of the board, Muthathai said the association will focus on strengthening collaboration across the value chain, including closer engagement with government ministries and regulators overseeing the sector.

“We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders across the macadamia value chain, including the relevant ministries and government authorities,” she said. “We are grateful for the support that has been accorded to us so far, and we are committed to deepening these engagements for the benefit of the entire industry.”

Kenya is among the world’s leading producers of macadamia nuts, with the crop serving as an important source of income for more than 200,000 people across the domestic value chain. The association said improving farmer returns will remain central to the new board’s agenda, particularly through expanding market access in the United States, Europe and China.

“Our farmers are the backbone of this industry. Ensuring they receive fair value for their produce and access to the right knowledge and support is our top priority,” Muthathai said.

To support this goal, MACNUT plans to scale up farmer training and extension services focused on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). The initiative aims to help growers improve yields, enhance nut quality and maintain Kenya’s competitiveness in global markets.

The new leadership also acknowledged the work of the interim committee that oversaw the association during its transition period.

“Their stewardship helped maintain engagement with industry stakeholders while laying the groundwork for the new board,” Muthathai said.

MACNUT said the board will act as the main point of contact for official communications and partnerships as the association works toward establishing a permanent secretariat and strengthening coordination across processors, exporters and farmer organisations in the macadamia value chain.

The Macadamia Association of Kenya represents stakeholders across the macadamia industry, including farmers, processors, aggregators, exporters and service providers, with a mandate to promote sustainable production, improved quality and fair market access.