NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has announced a 30-day window allowing the export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts, effective December 4, 2024.
This decision aims to enable exporters to fulfill pending international orders.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Dr. Andrew Karanja revealed the move comes after the Ministry conducted a physical stock verification from November 3 to 9, 2024, through the Agriculture and Food Authority’s (AFA) Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate.
The exercise found that several licensed exporters still held raw macadamia stocks tied to unfulfilled export commitments.
“We identified that some exporters had verified stocks and pending orders,” said Dr. Karanja. “To address this, I have authorized the export of raw macadamia nuts for the next 30 days, in accordance with Section 43 of the Agriculture and Food Authority Act, 2013.”
The announcement follows the expiration of a year-long suspension of the raw macadamia export ban, which ended on November 2, 2024.
The temporary authorization provides a limited opportunity for exporters to clear their existing stocks.
Dr. Karanja emphasized that licensed exporters wishing to take advantage of the window must apply to the AFA’s Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate.
Applications must include a completed stock verification form as part of the eligibility requirements.
“This intervention ensures verified stockholders can service their export orders while maintaining regulatory oversight,” he added.
Kenya’s macadamia industry has long grappled with balancing local processing demands and lucrative international markets.
The temporary measure signals the Ministry’s effort to support exporters without undermining local processors.
This decision aims to enable exporters to fulfill pending international orders.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Dr. Andrew Karanja revealed the move comes after the Ministry conducted a physical stock verification from November 3 to 9, 2024, through the Agriculture and Food Authority’s (AFA) Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate.
The exercise found that several licensed exporters still held raw macadamia stocks tied to unfulfilled export commitments.
“We identified that some exporters had verified stocks and pending orders,” said Dr. Karanja. “To address this, I have authorized the export of raw macadamia nuts for the next 30 days, in accordance with Section 43 of the Agriculture and Food Authority Act, 2013.”
The announcement follows the expiration of a year-long suspension of the raw macadamia export ban, which ended on November 2, 2024.
The temporary authorization provides a limited opportunity for exporters to clear their existing stocks.
Dr. Karanja emphasized that licensed exporters wishing to take advantage of the window must apply to the AFA’s Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate.
Applications must include a completed stock verification form as part of the eligibility requirements.
“This intervention ensures verified stockholders can service their export orders while maintaining regulatory oversight,” he added.
Kenya’s macadamia industry has long grappled with balancing local processing demands and lucrative international markets.
The temporary measure signals the Ministry’s effort to support exporters without undermining local processors.
