Kenyan farmers are set to gain from new export opportunities after Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe launched a week-long trade mission in the United States. The visit seeks to secure direct market access for Kenyan farm products, eliminating middlemen and increasing earnings for smallholder farmers.
Walmart Shows Interest in Kenyan Products
On the first day of the tour, Kagwe’s delegation met with American retail giant Walmart, which operates more than 40,000 outlets across the US. The team pitched Kenya’s top agricultural exports, including tea, macadamia, and other farm produce, positioning them as premium, sustainable, and competitive in price.
Kenyan Macadamia’s Competitive Edge
MACNUT Kenya CEO Jane Maigua highlighted the potential of Kenyan macadamia nuts, which are grown naturally without chemicals and sourced from more than 200,000 smallholder farmers. She emphasized Kenya’s competitive advantage: the nuts attract only a 10 percent import duty, compared to 30 percent for South African imports.
Maigua further noted the consistent supply capacity and the globally recognized buttery flavor of Kenyan macadamia, making it a sought-after crop in the US market.
Expanding Kenya’s Tea Exports
Representatives from the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), Geoffrey Kirundi and Wilson Muthaura, showcased the strength of Kenyan tea exports. They underlined Kenya’s ability to package tea at source, ensuring freshness, quality, and traceability while maximizing farmer incomes.
The officials also promoted value-added teas such as green, orthodox, and the unique purple tea—a Kenyan innovation celebrated for its health benefits and strong positioning in premium global markets.
Key Engagements in the US
During the mission, the delegation will meet officials from the US Departments of Commerce and Agriculture, the Governor of South Carolina, and leading private sector players. A highlight of the trip is attendance at the North America Tea Conference, which promotes sustainable practices in the global tea industry.
In South Carolina, Kagwe also held talks with Milo’s Tea Company, the leading iced tea producer in the US. He was joined by Phylis Kandie, Advisor to the President on Commodities Market Development, alongside officials from KTDA, Ketepa, and Kipchimchim Tea.
A Boost for Kenyan Farmers
The US tour marks a strategic step in positioning Kenya’s agricultural exports on the global stage. By forging direct trade links, CS Kagwe’s mission aims to unlock better prices, greater visibility, and long-term growth for Kenyan farmers.
