The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced a seasonal ban on the harvesting and trade of domestically produced macadamia.
In a statement on Monday, November 10, AFA said the ban will be effective from December 1, 2025, to February 15, 2026.
“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,” read part of the statement.
According to the authority, a recent macadamia phenological survey conducted across main production zones established that a substantial portion of the crop is still undergoing physiological development.
AFA noted that the suspension aims to allow the crop to reach full maturity and maintain Kenya’s reputation for producing high-quality macadamia nuts.
“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,” AFA added.
Further, the authority said it will continue to monitor the crop’s maturity trends and will communicate any necessary adjustments to the closure period in due course.
This comes months after AFA prohibited the transportation and export of raw macadamia nuts through the country.
In a notice on July 18, the authority stated that no raw macadamia nuts will be allowed for export through Kenya, regardless of their country of origin.
AFA urged foreign exporters intending to trade in raw macadamia to use alternative ports of exit and refrain from routing raw macadamia produce through Kenya.
“The Authority emphasizes that 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,” the authority stated.
AFA explained several consignments of raw macadamia nuts alleged to be in transit through Kenya were being intercepted at various border points.
