NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 8 – The government plans to revive Kenya’s struggling cashew nut industry, with projections showing the sector could create up to 350,000 jobs and contribute more than Sh30 billion to the economy.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe said years of declining production have cost the country jobs, farmer incomes and export earnings, despite strong global demand for cashew nuts.
Kenya currently produces about 13,000 tonnes of cashew nuts annually against an installed processing capacity of 45,000 tonnes. According to the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), a full revival of the sector could restore livelihoods across the Coast region while boosting gross domestic product.
Speaking in Kilifi County, Kagwe said the turnaround strategy is anchored on research and farmer support led by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) Mtwapa Centre.
A new disease-tolerant, high-yielding cashew variety has already been developed, with 20,000 seedlings ready for distribution during the long rains. Four additional improved varieties are expected within the next six months.
Seedling multiplication and distribution will be coordinated by AFA in collaboration with county governments, with support from the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) and extension services.
Farmers are also being sensitised on good agronomic practices, including proper spacing, intercropping with coconut and mango, and top-grafting to rehabilitate ageing orchards.
Kagwe questioned the continued importation of cashew nuts despite Kenya’s untapped production potential, calling for faster action to scale up local output.
Processors, including East River Foods EPZ and Nuts and More Processing EPZ, cited low farm-level production as the sector’s biggest bottleneck, despite millions of shillings invested and thousands of farmers engaged.
The CS announced plans to convene a high-level stakeholder meeting to fast-track the development of a master plan for the sector.
“Cashew farmers, there is hope. We have heard you, and this time we are moving with speed and seriousness,” Kagwe said.
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