Kenya Halts Export of Macadamia Nuts as Seasonal Trade Closure Begins

The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced a temporary ban on the harvesting and trade of macadamia nuts.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, AFA’s Director General, Bruno Linyiru, confirmed that harvesting and trading of the crop will not be allowed from December 1, 2025, to February 15, 2026.

According to Linyiru, this decision followed a comprehensive survey conducted across macadamia production zones in Kenya, which revealed that the crop is still undergoing physiological development.

“The Authority hereby notifies all macadamia value chain actors (including but not limited to processors, exporters, importers, and marketing agents) that harvesting and trade of domestically produced macadamia nuts shall not be permitted from 1st December 2025 to 15th February 2026,” Bruno Linyiru stated.

Purpose of the Macadamia Seasonal Closure

The Authority explained that the seasonal closure is meant to allow the macadamia crop to reach full maturity before harvesting.

“The seasonal export closure is intended to allow adequate time for the crop to attain full maturity and to ensure that all exports meet the required quality standards. The ban on the export of raw, in-shell macadamia nuts remains in force,” Linyiru added.

Also Read: Kenya Bans Foreigners from Transporting Raw Macadamia for Export Within Its Borders

The closure is designed to protect the quality of the crop, ensuring that both domestic and export markets receive fully matured and premium-standard macadamia nuts.

Maintaining Quality and Industry Standards

Linyiru highlighted that the seasonal pause will safeguard Kenya’s reputation as a producer of high-quality macadamia.

“Through the Nuts and Oils Directorate, the Authority has been implementing measures to align harvesting and processing practices on macadamia maturity trends, to safeguard kernel quality, oil content, and shelf life, essential to sustaining Kenya’s reputation for premium macadamia quality,” the statement read.

The directive emphasised that all stakeholders along the value chain must comply with the temporary ban to ensure consistency and adherence to quality standards.

For any clarifications or additional guidance, AFA has provided a contact point for stakeholders.

Also Read: Boost for Kenyan Farmers as Belgium Invests in Macadamia Sector

“For more information or clarification, send an email to: [email protected],” the statement read.

Macadamia Production in Kenya

Kenya is among the leading producers of macadamia nuts in Africa and ranks among the top exporters globally.

The crop is primarily grown in the central and eastern regions of the country, including Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Embu, and Meru counties, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal for macadamia cultivation.

Kenya grows mainly Macadamia integrifolia and Macadamia tetraphylla, which are valued for their high oil content and rich kernel quality.

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