KENYA – Kakuzi PLC has officially launched its state-of-the-art Macadamia Production and Processing Plant, marking a significant milestone for the company and the local community.
This new venture is expected to boost local employment and economic development in Murang’a County and across Kenya.
“Previously, Kakuzi was formerly known for their Sisal farming. The progression and adaptation to Macadamia farming and other ventures positions Kakuzi as a progressive and dynamic player to the industry and county,” said H.E. Dr. Irungu Kang’ata, Governor of Murang’a County.
The new plant is seen as a major step forward, promising to create numerous job opportunities for the local community.
Kakuzi has been growing premium macadamia crops for the past seventeen years. Over a decade, they have exported high-quality products to international markets.
Now, Kakuzi aims to tap into the domestic market by introducing a range of consumer products, including ready-to-eat macadamia, gluten-free macadamia flour, cold-pressed macadamia oil, biltong, honey, and fresh blueberry packs.
“For the last seventeen years, Kakuzi has been growing premium macadamia crops. We have exported quality products and are now focusing on the domestic market,” said Mr. Mathias Muinde, Macadamia Operations General Manager.
He added that the new plant represents a strategic step toward this goal, aiming to benefit the business and positively impact stakeholders’ lives.
Kakuzi’s location offers an ideal temperate climate for macadamia cultivation, enabling the company to maintain control over the entire value chain.
This control ensures complete traceability and high-quality products, certified Halal, FSSC 22000, Kosher, SMETA, and KEBS Standardization Mark.
Their macadamia production is marketed under the Maclands brand, the largest macadamia brand in Africa, known for its economies of scale, flexibility, and supply consistency.
Long-term growth and environmental stewardship
Macadamia is a core strategic crop for Kakuzi, with plans to increase total volumes by 139% by 2025. The company has built its own de-husking and cracking facilities and transitioned from local sales to exporting large quantities of macadamia kernels to the United States, Europe, and Japan.
In 2022, Kakuzi’s macadamia orchard covered 1,129 hectares, with 32,870 cartons (371,725 kg) exported and 900 cartons of roasted nuts sold locally.
Chairman of the Board, Mr. Nicholas Ng’ang’a, highlighted the company’s evolution: “Kakuzi has grown beyond a farm enterprise and is now a sophisticated, international agribusiness player.”
“This launch represents a significant step towards a sustainable future, benefiting both the company and the broader community.”
Kakuzi is dedicated to sustainable farming practices. The company employs the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) method to control pests and diseases with minimal chemical use.
They utilize husk compost to improve soil fertility and apply fertilizers based on thorough leaf and soil analysis. Efficient irrigation methods are used to improve yields, and power consumption is closely monitored to reduce emissions.
Kakuzi also manages liquid waste through biodigesters and waste stabilization ponds, and hazardous waste is disposed of via the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
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