KIRINYAGA, Kenya Mar 8 – Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru has appealed to President William Ruto’s administration to intervene following a significant reduction in macadamia nut prices.
The prices plummeted from Sh180 to a mere Sh30 per kilogram within a week in what has shocked farmers.
As the Chairperson of the Council of Governors, Waiguru urged President Ruto to implement reforms aimed at revitalizing the market for macadamia nuts, akin to the efforts made in streamlining the tea and coffee sectors.
She emphasized the importance of stabilizing macadamia prices, particularly for farmers who heavily rely on the sector for their livelihoods.
Expressing concern over the sudden price drop, Waiguru stressed the need for government intervention to gradually increase macadamia prices.
She highlighted the economic impact of the plummeting prices on farmers in Kirinyaga and Embu counties, urging swift action to mitigate their financial losses.
Acknowledging the positive outcomes of recent government reforms in the tea and coffee sectors, Waiguru underscored the urgency of addressing the alarming decline in macadamia prices.
While coffee prices have shown signs of improvement, the governor lamented the sharp contrast with the macadamia market, which has witnessed a drastic reduction despite previous price hikes.
She also appealed to President Ruto’s administration to intervene promptly, emphasizing the critical role of government intervention in stabilizing commodity prices and safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers.
