The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has raised alarm over rising malpractices in Kenya’s macadamia industry, warning that strict legal action will be taken against those violating regulations.
In a statement issued on February 6, 2025, AFA noted that unauthorized trading, smuggling, and handling of immature macadamia nuts are threatening the integrity of the supply chain and damaging the industry’s reputation.
According to the Authority, some players in the sector have been engaging in illegal activities, including trading without licenses and reintroducing rejected low-quality nuts into the market.
Additionally, cases of smuggling macadamia nuts in-shell out of the country have been on the rise, despite clear legal restrictions.
The agency reminded stakeholders that exporting macadamia nuts in-shell is strictly prohibited under Section 43 of the Agriculture and Food Authority Act, unless authorized by the Cabinet Secretary.
Furthermore, all macadamia exports must go through designated customs ports with permits applied electronically via the KenTrade TFP Single-Window system for each shipment.
AFA also emphasized that macadamia nuts should only be harvested, handled, and processed when physiologically mature, as stipulated in the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations, 2020. The regulations are reinforced by Kenya Standards KS EAS 1169:2024 and KS 2958-1:2022, which outline quality requirements and best practices.
Addressing compliance issues, AFA reminded all dealers—including traders, processors, exporters, and marketing agents—that they must be registered and licensed as required under the Crops Act, 2013.
“Any person engaged in collecting, transporting, storing, distributing, buying, or selling nuts and oil crops must register with the Authority,” the statement read.
To curb these malpractices, AFA announced that it will intensify surveillance and enforcement efforts in collaboration with county governments, law enforcement agencies, and other state bodies. Crackdowns will target macadamia-growing regions, aggregation stores, processing facilities, and exit points to ensure compliance with regulations.
“Individuals or companies found engaging in the harvesting, trading, or processing of immature nuts, operating without a valid license, or smuggling nuts out of the country will face strict legal action, including license suspension, revocation, and criminal prosecution,” AFA warned.
The Authority called on farmers, traders, and processors to adhere to regulations to protect the reputation, sustainability, and profitability of Kenya’s macadamia industry. Stakeholders were also urged to report any illegal activities through official AFA communication channels.
Last year The Ministry of Agriculture has imposed a ban on macadamia harvesting, effective from November 2, 2024, until March 1, 2025, in a bid to halt the export of immature nuts.
The decision, announced by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja on Tuesday, follows extensive discussions with key industry stakeholders.
“The Authority will increase inspections and surveillance to eliminate unscrupulous business dealers,” he said, adding that violators could face the revocation of their licenses.
Karanja further highlighted the export-driven nature of Kenya’s macadamia industry, stating that about 95 per cent of the annual production is exported.
He noted that while farm gate prices for macadamia nuts in shell (NIS) peaked at Sh180 per kilogram in 2019, the prices had plummeted to Sh30–Sh40 per kilogram by early 2023.
