Fresh protests erupted in Kirinyaga County as macadamia farmers and traders voiced strong opposition to the government’s suspension of macadamia sales, with demonstrators also rejecting proposals that would require them to sign pledges or commitments as a condition for resuming trade.
The protesters, drawn from various parts of the county, blocked sections of major roads and staged peaceful demonstrations, saying the ban has left them economically stranded. They argued that macadamia farming is their primary source of income and that the suspension has disrupted household livelihoods, education plans, and day-to-day survival.
Beyond opposing the sales freeze, farmers were particularly angered by suggestions that they should pledge or commit to specific conditions before being allowed back into the market. They insisted that such pledges were unfair, coercive, and failed to address the real challenges facing producers.
“We are being punished for issues we did not create,” said one farmer during the protests. “We cannot be forced to sign pledges just to sell our own produce. What we need is a fair market, not threats or conditions.”
Macadamia nuts are one of Kirinyaga’s most valuable cash crops, supporting thousands of small-scale farmers as well as traders, transporters, and processors. The sudden halt in sales has raised fears of produce spoilage and long-term financial losses, especially with many farmers already having harvested their nuts.
Local traders echoed these concerns, warning that the ban has effectively paralysed the local economy. Shops, transport services, and aggregation centres that depend on macadamia trade have all been affected, with some businesses reporting losses since the suspension took effect.
Security officers were deployed to maintain calm as demonstrations caused temporary traffic disruptions. Authorities urged protesters to remain peaceful while engagements between county leaders and national officials continued behind the scenes.
County officials acknowledged the farmers’ frustrations but appealed for patience, stating that the suspension was intended to address challenges in the macadamia value chain, including quality control and market irregularities. However, farmers countered that such issues should be resolved through consultation rather than blanket bans and mandatory pledges.
“We support quality standards,” said another protester, “but decisions should involve farmers from the start. You cannot wake up one day and close the market without listening to us.”
Agriculture stakeholders note that while regulation is necessary to protect Kenya’s reputation in international markets, abrupt enforcement measures can erode trust and destabilise rural economies. Experts argue that solutions should focus on training, clear guidelines, and gradual implementation rather than punitive restrictions.
Farmer cooperatives in the county have called for structured dialogue, urging authorities to engage producers directly and clarify when and how the sales suspension will be lifted. They also emphasised that any framework introduced must respect farmers’ rights and avoid imposing conditions perceived as threats or intimidation.
The protests highlight growing tensions between policymakers and agricultural producers over how reforms are introduced and enforced. For many farmers in Kirinyaga, the macadamia crop represents years of investment and hope for economic stability, making the current uncertainty particularly distressing.
As negotiations continue, farmers remain firm in their stance: they want the ban lifted, meaningful consultation restored, and freedom to sell their produce without being forced into pledges. The situation now places pressure on authorities to find a balanced solution that protects market standards while safeguarding livelihoods.
Image by Citizen Digital
