The Kenyan government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to revitalize the country’s struggling cashew nut industry. The initiative aims to create jobs, increase farmers’ incomes, and boost export earnings. Over the years, the industry has faced a dramatic decline, with Kenya currently producing only 13,000 tonnes of cashew nuts annually, far below its processing capacity of 45,000 tonnes.
A Bold New Strategy to Revive the Industry
In a statement shared on X on Thursday, January 8, 2026, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Mutahi Kagwe, discussed the details of the new strategy designed to bring life back into the cashew nut sector. Addressing the public in Kilifi County, Kagwe emphasized that this time, the government is committed to moving swiftly and with seriousness to address the challenges facing cashew farmers.
“Cashew farmers, there is hope. We have heard you, and this time we are moving with speed and seriousness,” Kagwe stated, expressing confidence in the government’s approach.
The revival strategy is grounded in extensive research and support for farmers, with significant involvement from the Kalrom Kulima Mtwapa Centre, which will lead the efforts in research and development. Kagwe highlighted that a new disease-tolerant, high-yielding variety of cashew nuts has already been developed. The government has 20,000 seedlings ready for distribution during the upcoming long rains, with plans to introduce four more improved varieties within the next six months.
Support for Farmers and Enhanced Agronomic Practices
The strategy’s core focus is on supporting farmers by providing them with quality seedlings and guidance on optimal farming practices. Seedling multiplication and distribution will be coordinated by the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFA) and county governments, with support from the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) and extension services.
Farmers will also receive training on agronomic practices such as proper spacing, intercropping with coconut and mango trees, and top-grafting techniques to rehabilitate aging orchards. The goal is to improve the productivity and sustainability of cashew farming across the coastal regions.
“The strategy includes seedling multiplication and distribution coordinated by AFA and county governments, supported by Kephis and extension services,” Kagwe said. This support aims to enhance the quality and quantity of cashew production, addressing both domestic demand and export potential.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Cashew Nut Sector
Despite Kenya’s untapped potential in cashew production, the country continues to import cashew nuts. Kagwe expressed concern over this issue, pointing out that there is an urgent need to scale up local farming to meet both domestic and international demand. Processors, including East River Foods EPZ and Nuts and More Processing EPZ, have also cited low farm-level production as the biggest challenge, despite substantial investments in the sector and the engagement of thousands of farmers.
The government’s focus on local farming and improved production methods is expected to address these bottlenecks and unlock the sector’s potential. Kagwe called for quicker action to scale up local farming, so Kenya can reduce its reliance on imports and boost local processing capacity.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The government’s renewed focus on cashew nuts is not just about increasing production—it is also about transforming the sector into a major job creator. Kagwe announced that a full revival of the cashew nut industry could create up to 350,000 jobs, contribute over KSh 30 billion to the country’s GDP, and significantly improve livelihoods across the Coast.
“A full revival of the cashew nut industry could create up to 350,000 jobs, contribute over Sh30 billion to GDP, and restore livelihoods across the Coast,” Kagwe said, stressing the positive economic impact of the strategy.
The government also plans to convene a high-level stakeholder meeting to fast-track the development of a sector master plan. This meeting will aim to bring together farmers, processors, policymakers, and other key players to streamline efforts and maximize the potential of the cashew nut industry.
A Modernized Agricultural Sector
Kenya’s renewed emphasis on cashew nuts is part of a broader effort to modernize agriculture, expand local processing, and harness the country’s export potential. By improving cashew nut production and processing, the government aims to create a more robust and sustainable agricultural sector that supports local farmers while also contributing to the national economy.
The revival strategy marks a significant step forward for Kenya’s agricultural sector, with the potential to transform the cashew nut industry into a key driver of economic growth and job creation in the coastal regions.
