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Orient Enterprises, the Kenyan macadamia processor and exporter, has secured a $1 million blended investment from Barka Fund, Africa’s climate-focused impact investment fund.
Barka Fund backs high-growth companies across three sectors: agriculture and food systems, environment and natural resources (including landscape restoration), and clean and renewable energy.
The deal comprises $500k in preferred equity and a $500k structured working capital loan, with proceeds for infrastructure upgrades, working capital, and agroforestry expansion.
By 2030, the partnership targets more than 275,000 trees planted and over 100 new jobs created.
Founded in 2018 by Rajiv Pandya, Orient Enterprises operates an FSSC 22000-certified facility in Juja, Kiambu County, sourcing from more than 5,000 smallholder farmers and processing macadamia nuts into raw, roasted, and flavoured kernels sold under its Orient Chef brand.
The company supplies local retailers and premium export markets across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Orient generated $1.2 million in revenue in 2025 and employs more than 120 people, 80% of whom are women. The company also runs its own tree nursery supplying seedlings to local farmers.
“This partnership strengthens our ability to serve global markets while investing directly in the farmers and land behind our business. We are building a Kenyan export brand that is both globally competitive and rooted in sustainable agriculture,” said Rajiv Pandya, founder and CEO of Orient Enterprises.
The investment integrates tree planting and land restoration directly into Orient’s sourcing model, linking commercial growth with environmental rehabilitation of degraded farmland.
Barka Fund combines equity and structured debt to match the growth stage and needs of each company, while also providing technical assistance to improve operations.
Before investing, Orient participated in Barka’s readiness program, where the team helps strengthen governance, financial controls, and reporting.
“Rajiv went through our readiness programme, and it was clear Orient reflects the future we believe in — African agribusinesses driving growth, inclusion, and restoration, all at once,” said Rekia Foudel, managing partner of Barka Fund.
