NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has extended the ban on the export of raw in-shell macadamia nuts as the 2025 harvesting season begins on March 1.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe announced the decision on Thursday, emphasizing that it aligns with existing laws and regulations, including the Agricultural Food Authority (AFA) Act and the Oil Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations of 2020.
Kagwe urged macadamia farmers to register under the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System (KIAMIS), a government initiative aimed at improving sector management.
He noted that proper registration would facilitate better planning and access to support services.
“I appeal to all macadamia farmers to register under KIAMIS so that the government, farmers, development partners, and the private sector can better plan for the sector,” Kagwe said.
To bolster the industry, AFA will collaborate with county governments to strengthen farmer groups.
Key initiatives include digital extension services, subsidized fertiliser distribution, and improved market information-sharing.
The government is also establishing a Macadamia Nuts Standing Committee to oversee policy implementation, enhance traceability, and curb non-compliance.
“An organised farm base will make it easier to engage and support farmers,” Kagwe added.
The CS directed the AFA to tighten enforcement by ensuring marketing agencies are properly registered and licensed.
He also called for a coordinated effort with county governments and the National Police Service to tackle illegal exports and smuggling.
New measures include mandatory inspections at customs points and stringent enforcement to prevent the reintroduction of poor-quality nuts into the market.
To further ensure quality control, the government is set to introduce a standardised X-ray scanning system to assess nut quality.
Farmers will also undergo training in good agricultural practices (GAP), covering aspects such as pest control and maturity assessment to boost production standards.
The extension of the export ban signals the government’s intent to regulate the sector more effectively while ensuring local processors have sufficient supply.
While some exporters have pushed back against the restrictions, arguing they limit market opportunities, the government maintains that the move is aimed at fostering value addition and job creation within Kenya.
With the new measures in place, stakeholders in the macadamia industry will be watching closely to see how the regulations impact farmers, traders, and processors in the coming months.
