Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango has alleged that there could be a deliberate scheme by certain individuals within the government, particularly in the Ministry of Agriculture, to undermine Kenya’s macadamia industry.
Speaking to the media, Murango questioned why the Ministry of Agriculture has failed to address persistent challenges affecting the production and marketing of macadamia, saying the situation continues to hurt farmers, especially those in the Mt. Kenya region.
The senator said the government should implement measures to guarantee farmers fair returns for their produce, noting that rising production costs have significantly increased the burden on growers.
Murango’s remarks were echoed by John Kathangu, Vice Chairperson of the Kirinyaga County Nut Farmers and Traders Association, who criticized Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and macadamia processing firms. Kathangu alleged that the ministry and processors are working in a manner that disadvantages macadamia farmers.
The sentiments come amid growing pressure from macadamia farmers in Kirinyaga County for the government to enact and enforce policies that protect them from exploitative brokers and ensure fair pricing for their produce.
