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The Macadamia Association of Kenya (MACNUT) has elected a new board of directors, signalling a strategic shift as Kenya’s macadamia industry navigates changing global markets and intensifies efforts to support farmers. The announcement came following the association’s Annual General Meeting held on February 27, 2026.
The new leadership team will be chaired by Pally Muthathai, with Bernard Sitati as Treasurer, Lisa Muriuki as Secretary, and Joel Kobia and Amir Yusuf serving as Directors.
The board takes office at a critical time for Kenya’s macadamia sector, which supports more than 200,000 farmers and faces evolving export dynamics in key markets such as the United States, Europe, and China.
Speaking on behalf of the board, Chairperson Muthathai said the association will prioritise deepening collaboration across the macadamia value chain, including engagement with government institutions, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
“We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders across the macadamia value chain, including the relevant ministries and government authorities. We are committed to deepening these engagements for the benefit of the entire industry,” Muthathai said.
The new board emphasised that farmer welfare will remain central to its agenda. Initiatives will focus on ensuring that growers receive fair value for their produce while accessing technical support to improve productivity and nut quality.
“Our farmers are the backbone of this industry. We will ensure they have access to the right knowledge and support, while expanding market opportunities internationally,” Muthathai added.
As part of this agenda, MACNUT plans to strengthen technical training and extension services, focusing on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to boost yields, enhance nut quality, and safeguard Kenya’s competitiveness in global markets.
The new board also acknowledged the role of the Interim Committee, which guided the association during its transition period and maintained engagement with key industry partners.
“We thank the Interim Committee for their stewardship, which has laid the groundwork for the new board while keeping stakeholders connected,” said Muthathai.
Looking ahead, MACNUT aims to establish a permanent secretariat that will serve as a central hub for industry communications, partnerships, and sector engagement. The board reaffirmed its commitment to fostering collaboration with both public and private sector actors, including processors, exporters, and farmer organisations.
With the leadership transition complete, stakeholders anticipate that the new board will drive initiatives to strengthen Kenya’s position as a leading global macadamia producer while enhancing support structures that ensure smallholder farmers benefit from the sector’s growth.
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