The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intercepted three 40-foot shipping containers at the Port of Mombasa suspected of carrying in-shell macadamia nuts, a commodity recently banned from export by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
According to a statement issued by KRA, the containers had been falsely declared as carrying tarpaulin and were destined for export to Mozambique. However, acting on intelligence reports, KRA’s Customs and Border Control Department flagged the cargo for further scrutiny. The containers are currently detained at the customs warehouse within the port, pending a comprehensive inspection by a multi-agency team.
“The containers were intercepted following a tip-off and risk profiling by our customs officers. Preliminary assessments indicate a strong likelihood that the cargo contains in-shell macadamia nuts, contrary to customs declarations,” the authority stated.
This interception comes in the wake of a government directive banning the export of raw macadamia nuts. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development announced the ban earlier this year in an effort to support local processors, enhance value addition, and maintain the quality standards of Kenyan macadamia products in international markets.
The ban seeks to curb the illegal smuggling and export of in-shell macadamia nuts, which has been blamed for undercutting local processors and costing the country significant economic value. By ensuring that macadamia nuts are processed domestically before export, the government hopes to create more jobs, increase foreign exchange earnings, and elevate the global reputation of Kenyan macadamia products.
KRA officials emphasized that the agency remains committed to upholding all trade regulations and supporting the enforcement of government policies aimed at economic development.
“Our mandate extends beyond revenue collection. We are also deeply involved in ensuring that export and import laws are followed, and that unscrupulous business practices are detected and dealt with,” the statement continued.
The contents of the containers will be subject to a detailed verification exercise by a joint team comprising KRA officials, representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, and other relevant government agencies. Should the inspection confirm the presence of in-shell macadamia nuts, legal action will be initiated against those responsible for the illicit shipment.
Industry stakeholders have lauded the KRA’s vigilance, noting that such interceptions are critical in ensuring that the country’s policies to grow local industries are not undermined by illegal trade.
Further details are expected following the completion of the ongoing inspection and investigations.
Written By Rodney Mbua
