The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced a ban on the transit and export of raw macadamia nuts through Kenya.
In a statement issued on Friday, July 17, the Authority clarified that the export of in-shell and unprocessed macadamia nuts, whether wet or dry, is strictly prohibited under Kenyan laws, including the Crops Act, 2013, and the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations, 2020.
AFA said the ban aims to safeguard the local nut processing industry and promote value addition within the country
The announcement follows the recent interception of several consignments of raw macadamia nuts at Kenyan border points.
These shipments, allegedly en route through Kenya, were halted as part of ongoing enforcement efforts to curb the illicit movement of raw produce.
“No raw macadamia nuts may be exported through or from Kenya, regardless of their country of origin,” AFA emphasized.
AFA Bans Transit and Export of Raw Macadamia Nuts Through Kenya
Exporters from foreign countries have been advised to use alternative ports outside of Kenya and avoid routing raw macadamia produce through the country.
“Exporters from foreign states intending to trade in raw macadamia are therefore advised to use alternative foreign ports of exit and to refrain from routing raw macadamia produce through Kenya,” AFA said.
Also Read: Kenya Lifts Tax on Oil Crops and Nuts Imports from 8 Countries
AFA said the measure is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to support local farmers and processors by promoting domestic value addition, local industrial development, and job creation.
Members of the public or stakeholders seeking clarification have been encouraged to contact the Authority via [email protected].
Ban of Macadamia Export
The Kenyan macadamia industry is heavily export-oriented, with approximately 95% of its annual production shipped to international markets.
In 2019, farm gate prices for macadamia nuts in shell (NIS) peaked at an all-time high of Ksh 180/kg.
However, by early 2023, prices had dropped significantly, ranging between Ksh. 30-40/kg.
On November 3, 2023, the government imposed a 12-month ban on raw macadamia nut exports, which lapsed on November 2, 2024.
Following the ban’s expiration, the Agriculture and Food Authority, through its Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate, conducted a physical verification exercise to establish stock levels held by exporters, processors, and marketing agents.
Consequently, the exercise revealed that some exporters still had in store significant quantities of unexported raw macadamia nuts.
It also highlighted the harvesting, processing and export of immature nuts, leading to poor performance of the Kenyan macadamia in the global markets.
After the ministry’s consultations with industry stakeholders, a ban on macadamia harvesting was scheduled to take effect from 2nd November 2024 until 1st March 2025 to curb the export of immature nuts.
Also Read: Govt Bans 77 Harmful Products After Warning on Toxic Potatoes
Why the Ban Was Extended
Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe in March this year extended the ban arguing that lifting it would contradict the government’s policy of promoting processing and value addition in agriculture.
He argued that local processing of macadamia nuts generates employment, noting that the industry has created about 200,000 jobs across the value chain.
“Continued exports of in-shell macadamia benefits only foreign buyers who use it as a raw material in their manufacturing which eventually competes with Kenya particular for the US, resulting in loss of jobs in Kenya’s manufacturing sector and reduces export earnings since in-shell macadamia nuts fetch much lower prices compared to the kernel,” said Kagwe.
Kenya is the third largest nut-in-shell and kernel macadamia exporter, after South Africa and Australia.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
