AFA bans transit and export of raw Macadamia nuts through Kenya

The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced an immediate ban on the transit and export of raw macadamia nuts through Kenya, citing legal provisions aimed at protecting the local nut processing industry.

According to the authority, the prohibition applies to both in-shell and unprocessed macadamia nuts, whether wet or dry, in line with the Crops Act, 2013 and the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations, 2020.

This move follows a series of recent interceptions of raw macadamia consignments at various border points. The authority suspects the nuts were in transit through Kenya from foreign countries.

‘‘No raw macadamia nuts may be exported through or from Kenya, regardless of country of origin. 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,” Bruno Linyiru, Director General of AFA, stated.

The measure aimed to support local farmers and processors by promoting domestic value addition through local processing and industrial development.

Any member of the public or stakeholder who requires any clarification may contact the Authority through [email protected].

Macadamia farming is a significant agricultural venture in the country, ranking third globally in production. 

It's a high-value export crop, primarily grown in Central, Eastern, and Coastal regions, with Embu, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi being leading producing counties according to AFA.

Kenyan macadamia is also renowned for its superior quality, which attracts global demand; however, the industry faces challenges such as fluctuating prices and the need for improved quality control. 

Kenya produces a significant portion of the global macadamia supply, accounting for 13% of the world market share, according to Blue Ocean. 

Smallholder farmers primarily drive the industry. 

The macadamia market is projected to grow, with local prices potentially increasing and international demand expected to rise.