Kenya’s Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has reaffirmed a firm ban on the export or transit of raw, in-shell macadamia nuts, citing ongoing malpractices, substandard produce, unauthorized trade, and smuggling that threaten Kenya’s macadamia brand and export reputation.
The directive prohibits all exports or transit of unshelled nuts unless explicit written authorization is granted by the Cabinet Secretary, with export permits only valid via KenTrade’s Single‑Window system at designated customs ports.
In response to rising concerns, AFA will intensify surveillance and enforcement across farms, processing sites, aggregation centers, and exit points. Violators whether unlicensed traders, those handling immature nuts or distributors mixing rejected produce face prosecutorial action, license suspension, or revocation.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe reiterated the government’s insistence on value addition, stating that processed macadamia yields far higher returns Sh816 per kg for kernels versus Sh161 per kg for in-shell produce and safeguards over 200,000 jobs in local processing.
Stakeholders are urged to register under KIAMIS and form cooperative groups to enable traceability, access subsidies, and strengthen sector governance.
A multi-stakeholder standing committee has been tasked with enforcing quality control, including mandatory customs inspections and x-ray scanning to eliminate immature or low-grade nut exports.
The ban remains in effect as Kenya positions itself to boost incomes, protect farmers, and expand its global export footprint through quality-focused, value-addition strategies.
Written By Ian Maleve
