The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has been instructed to take action against individuals involved in drafting, circulating, or attempting to use a fraudulent letter claiming to authorize the export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts.
In a statement dated Monday, January 26, 2025, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) dismissed a letter circulating on social media that falsely claims to authorize the export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts.
“The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) wishes to inform the general public, stakeholders in the nuts and oil crops industry, and all enforcement agencies that a forged letter dated May 21, 2025, purporting to authorize the export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts is currently in circulation,” stated the AFA.
According to the Authority, the forged letter falsely includes the name and signature of Mutahi Kagwe, the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
AFA confirmed that the letter is a forgery and was not issued through any legitimate channels.
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The Authority also reaffirmed that the ban on the export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts remains in effect.
“In accordance with Section 43 of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Act, 2013, the ban on the export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts is still in force. Additionally, no exemptions have been granted as of the date of this release,” the statement continued.
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Furthermore, the AFA has reported the incident to the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, for the investigation and prosecution of all parties involved in drafting, circulating, or attempting to use the fraudulent document.
The Authority urged all exporters, enforcement agencies, and the general public to disregard the forged letter entirely, avoid engaging in or facilitating the export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) or relevant law enforcement agencies.
Government Bans Raw Macadamia Export
On October 22, 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture banned macadamia harvesting, effective November 2, 2024, until March 1, 2025, in order to curb the export of immature nuts.
At that time, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Dr. Andrew Karanja stated that the decision was reached after consultations with industry stakeholders.
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He explained that the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) is responsible for enforcing strict compliance with this directive, which includes the revocation of licenses for violators.
“The Authority will also increase inspections and surveillance to eliminate unscrupulous business dealers,” said the Cabinet Secretary.
Karanja emphasized that exporting processed macadamia nuts (kernels) is more beneficial to Kenya than exporting raw in-shell nuts.
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