The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced a
seasonal closure on the harvesting and trade of domestically produced macadamia
nuts.
The ban applies to all macadamia value chain actors, including processors, exporters, importers, and marketing agents.
In a notice dated November 10, 2025,the Authority said the ban is effective from December 1, 2025, to February 15, 2026.
“The Authority hereby notifies all macadamia value chain
actors that harvesting and trade of domestically produced macadamia nuts shall
not be permitted from 1st December 2025 to 15th February 2026,” said the AFA Director
General Dr. Bruno Linyiru.
The Authority emphasized that the seasonal closure is
intended to allow the crop adequate time to attain full maturity and ensure
that all exports meet the required quality standards.
The move is aimed at safeguarding the quality of Kenya’s
macadamia nuts in both domestic and international markets.
The existing ban on the export of raw, in-shell macadamia
nuts remains in force.
AFA, established under the Crops Act 2013, is mandated to
develop, promote, and regulate scheduled crops in Kenya.
It ensures compliance with sector regulations and adherence
to established produce and product quality standards.
Through the Nuts and Oils Directorate, the Authority has
been implementing measures to align harvesting and processing practices with
macadamia maturity trends.
The goal is to protect kernel quality, oil content, and
shelf life, which are critical to maintaining Kenya’s reputation for premium
macadamia nuts.
According to AFA, the decision follows findings from a
recent macadamia phenological survey conducted across the main production
zones.
The survey revealed that a substantial portion of the crop
is still undergoing physiological development and has not yet reached full
maturity.
AFA further stated that it will continue to monitor the
crop’s maturity trends and communicate any necessary adjustments to the closure
period in due course. Stakeholders seeking clarification have been advised to
contact the Authority through the provided email address.
The ban reinforces AFA’s commitment to enforcing standards
that protect Kenya’s agricultural exports and enhance the competitiveness of
local produce.
The Authority also reiterated that its quality control
measures are vital to sustaining Kenya’s market position as a leading exporter
of high-grade macadamia nuts.
The temporary suspension is expected to help ensure that
only mature, high-quality nuts enter the market and meet international
standards.
AFA assured industry players that it will maintain close
engagement with stakeholders as it monitors the ongoing crop development and
enforces compliance with the seasonal restrictions.
