This article focuses on macadamia farming in Kenya. Macadamia is one of the most profitable crops in Kenya. About 90% of the crop is grown for export, thus making Kenya the second largest exporter and the third-largest producer of macadamia in the world.
Despite the crop being profitable, most farmers in Kenya have not embraced macadamia farming. This is mainly due to minimal support from the government. This also demoralises those who are already into the trade.
One acre of land can hold up to 70 macadamia trees. A fully mature macadamia tree can produce between 50 to 300 kg of macadamia nuts. However, most farmers in Kenya harvest less than the mentioned figures as a result of various challenges, with the most common being invasion pests and diseases.
Macadamia trees take about 6-7 years to start producing nuts.
Best type/ variety of macadamia to grow in Kenya
- The most recommended type of macadamia to grow is Murang’a 20 (MRG-20). Most agricultural experts and researchers recommend this variety because it matures faster and easily adapts to various climatic conditions.
- The MRG-20 variety is the best to plant, but it is advisable to plant different varieties for the purpose of cross-pollination. Other types of macadamia seedlings are; KRG-15, EMB-1, KMB-3.
Conditions/necessary requirements for growing macadamia
- Deep and well-drained acidic soil.
- Rainfall should range from 800 to 1200 mm annually. This can be boosted by irrigation, particularly in areas that don’t receive adequate rainfall.
- Right spacing of the macadamia trees, usually 10 by 10 metres. This ensures that the trees get access to sunlight.
- It is advisable that you regularly weed your macadamia trees and apply manure at least once annually, for purposes of crop nutrition.
- Protect your macadamia trees from strong winds by planting windbreaker trees.
Harvesting of macadamia nuts
- Most farmers incur huge losses during harvesting especially by harvesting premature nuts. This means that premature nuts will have to be stored for some time. This may affect the quality of the nut. Therefore it is advisable to harvest only mature nuts.
- It is also advisable to store harvested nuts in sisal bags.
List of Licensed Macadamia Processors In Kenya
1. Jungle Nuts Limited
Location: Thika
Contact: +254 20 514 2800
Email: info@junglenuts.co.ke
2. Hannjo Nuts Limited
Location: Nanyuki Road, Nairobi
Contact: 0746 490 746
Email: info@hannjonuts.com
3. Equatorial Nut Processors Limited
Location: Parklands
Contacts: +254 20 804 3083, +254 20 375 3124
Email: info@equatorialnut.co.ke
4. Paem Company Limited
Location: Kidhimani Road, Industrial Area, Thika
Contact: +254 672 220 447
Email: info@paemnuts.co.ke
5. Sagana Nuts Company Ltd
Location: Sagana Town
Contact: 0727 819 332
Email: info@saganuts.co.ke
6. Afri China International Limited
Location: Imara Daima, Nairobi
Contact: 0716 510 222
Email: afchnk@yahoo.com
7. Eureka Nuts EPZ Ltd
Location: Athi River
Contacts: 0792 565 464, 0720 926 372
Email: info@eurekanutsepz.co.ke
8. Superfine Africa Nuts Limited
Location: Thika
Contacts: 0799 000 606
Email: info@superfineafricanuts.com
9. Athi River Oil Africa EPZ Ltd
Location: Athi River
Contacts: 0735 474 127
Email: info@athioils.com
10. Fair Oils EPZ Ltd
Location: Athi River
Contact: 0719 762 543
11. Rainsun Nuts Company Limited
Location: Karatina
Contact: 0722 794 044
Email: rainsun2015@yahoo.com
12. Privam Nuts Company
Location: Embu
Contacts: 0709 765 000, 0709 765 257
Email: info@privamnuts.co.ke
13. Lenana Processors Limited
Location: Kiambu County
Contact: 0707 590 103
Email: finance@lenana.co.ke
14. Limbua Group Limited
Location: Embu
Contact: 0725 966 383
Email: info@limbua-group.com
15. The Village Nuts
Location: Karatina
Contact: 0722 380 272
Email: info@thevillagenuts.co.ke
16. Farm Gate East Africa Limited
Location: Mombasa
Contacts: 0718 009 877, +254 41 501 0000
Email: info@farmgate.co.ke
17. Ten Senses Africa
Location: Athi River
Contact: 0795 371 230
Email: admin@tensenses.com
18. Wish Kenya Private Ltd
Location: Thika
Contact: 0726 351 588
Email: wishkenya@yahoo.com
19. Wondernut International
Location: Athi River
Contacts: 0722 713 075, 0733 606 707
Email: wondernut@swiftkenya.com
20. Afrimac Nuts Company Limited
Location: Along Kenol-Murang’a Road, Maragua
Contact: 0723 706 358
Email: admin@afrimac.co.ke
21. Kakuzi Limited
Location: Thika
Contacts: 0722 205 895, 0722 205 342
Email: mail@kakuzi.co.ke
22. Macnuts International EPZ Ltd
Location: Athi River
Contacts: 0726 351 588, 0722 701 432
Email: info@macnutsinternational.com
23. Batian Nuts Limited
Location: Nkubu
Contact: 0759 087 909
Email: admin@batiannuts.co.ke
24. Sasini Nuts EPZ Ltd
Contact: +254 20 342 166
Email: info@sasini.co.ke
25. Jumbo Nuts Limited
Location: Embu
Contacts: +254 068 223 1693/4
Email: info@jumbonuts.co.ke
26. Exotic EPZ Limited
Location: Sameer Industrial Park, Off Enterprise Road, Nairobi
Contact: 0792 963 890
Email: info@exoticepz.co.ke
27. Farmica EPZ Limited
Location: Athi River
Contact: 0798 363 644
Email: avraj@farmica.co.ke
