MACNUT has elected new board members as the country’s macadamia industry continues to navigate shifting export market dynamics and rising demand for farmer support.
Changes in Export Market Dynamics
The Industry altered export market dynamics and increased calls for more support to farmers. On February 27 2026, the Macadamia Association of Kenya (MACNUT) held its Annual General Meeting, where a new Board was elected by the members.
The Chairperson of the new board will be Pally
MACNUT Chairperson, Pally Muthathai, who has been elected alongside other members of the new Board, held the first Board meeting after the election, and according to her, the Board will focus on tighter collaboration at the macadamia value chain level in their efforts to support the farmers.
“We are eager to collaborate with all players within the macadamia industry, including the relevant ministries and government authorities. “We appreciate the support given to us and are committed to furthering these engagements for the benefit of the whole industry,” she stated.
The organization also desires to fortify the processors, exporters, and farmer organizations network as part of the bigger plans to stabilise and develop the industry. Farmers Welfare Is Most Important
The new leadership has made farmers the focus of its program, committing to help farmers through enhanced market access and improved industry coordination. Muthathai mentioned that over 200, 000 Kenyans rely on the macadamia value chain for their livelihoods, which makes the crop one of the leading agricultural products for export in the country.
Our farmers are the very foundation of this industry. Making sure that they get fair value for their products and that they have access to the right knowledge and support is our main focus, she added. The association also plans to look for new markets with a particular focus on the United States, Europe, and China, which are still the main trading partners for Kenyan macadamia.
Nurturing Growth by Providing Technical Assistance. In order to raise the output and keep Kenya’s edge in the global markets, the board intends to increase farmers’ access to technical knowledge by organising and providing training and extension services on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
This program will assist farmers in increasing productivity, improving nut quality, and meeting international standards required by export markets.