NAIROBI, Kenya– The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has reaffirmed a ban on the export and transit of raw macadamia nuts through Kenya, warning that all in-shell or unprocessed nuts whether wet or dry are prohibited from leaving the country under current laws.
This renewed directive comes after several shipments of raw macadamia nuts, allegedly in transit through Kenya, were seized at various border points in recent weeks.
The crackdown follows continued enforcement of the Crops Act, 2013and the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations, 2020, which promote value addition and safeguard Kenya’s domestic nut processing sector.
“The export of raw macadamia nuts is prohibited under Kenyan laws,” said Bruno Linyiru, Director General of AFA, in a statement.
The Authority has clarified that this prohibition applies to all raw macadamia consignments, regardless of their origin.
Foreign exporters intending to ship unprocessed macadamia through Kenyan ports are advised to use alternative routes that do not pass through the country.
By discouraging the export of raw nuts, the government aims to promote local agro-processing, increase farmer incomes, and boost industrial development within Kenya’s agricultural value chain.
This policy the authority contends is also designed to protect Kenyan processors who rely on a steady supply of raw nuts for their operations.
Industry players have long advocated for stricter control to curb illegal export practices that deprive local businesses of raw material and reduce job opportunities for Kenyans.
AFA is urging all stakeholders, exporters, and the general public to comply with the directive.
