(NAIROBI, KENYA) – The value of macadamia produced in Kenya jumped 73 percent to KES 8.6 billion in 2025. The rise was driven by strong prices especially towards the end of the year. The value is equal to about $53.2 million or £41.8 million.
Fresh data from the Agriculture and Food Authority show that farmers produced 53,968.16 tonnes of the crop valued at KES 8.6 billion in 2025. This compares with 49,183 tonnes worth KES 4.95 billion the previous year. The earlier value is equal to about $30.6 million or £24.1 million.
The sharp growth in value in 2025 was attributed to strong and generally stable farm gate prices. The regulator said farm gate prices were generally stable during 2025, with slight changes reported when supplies were out of season. The year started with prices ranging between KES 70 and KES 100 per kilogramme. This is equal to about 43 to 62 US cents or 34 to 49 British pence. Prices continued to increase as processing and export activities gained momentum, resulting in competitive prices.
Towards the close of the high season in August and September, prices had doubled in some production areas. They closed at a range of KES 120 to KES 150 in most production zones. This is equal to about 74 to 93 US cents or 58 to 73 British pence per kilogramme.
Kenya produces about 20 percent of the world’s macadamia supply. Production reaches roughly 50,000 tonnes annually. About 98 percent of Kenyan macadamias are exported. The United States is a major market, accounting for 35 percent of exports. Germany, the Netherlands, China and Hong Kong are other key destinations.
Agriculture and Food Authority records show that macadamia production reached 53,968.16 tonnes in 2025. This marks continued growth from 2024 levels of 49,183 tonnes. The increase was attributed to geographical expansion and improved productivity.
Total macadamia acreage increased from 9,336 hectares in 2024 to 10,185 hectares in 2025. This translates to an additional 849 hectares in new fields and replants on existing orchards. The highest increase was observed in the Rift Valley counties of Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo.
The central region contributes the largest share of macadamia output. Key counties are Murang’a, Meru, Embu and Kirinyaga. The regulator said a notable driver of improved yields in 2025 was pest control interventions. The coordinated effort significantly reduced pest related losses and improved nut quality and recovery rates. This increased overall productivity per hectare.
Kiambu County continues to experience a gradual decline in both area and production. Rapid urbanisation, land subdivision and real estate development have led to the conversion of agricultural land into residential and commercial uses. Some ageing orchards have not been replaced at a comparable rate, contributing to reduced output in 2025.
To boost its macadamia industry, Kenya now targets India to drive exports. The aim is to expand the export base and limit the risks of overreliance on five traditional markets. India is ranked as an early, high growth phase market for macadamia. This is due to an expanding consumer population, rising health awareness and increased affordability following reduced import tariffs.