Kenya bans macadamia harvesting to curb export of immature nuts 

KENYA – Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture has imposed a ban on macadamia nut harvesting from November 2, 2024, to March 1, 2025, to combat the export of immature nuts and stabilize the local industry.  

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja announced the decision following consultations with key industry stakeholders.  

The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) will be responsible for enforcing the ban, including revoking the licenses of those who violate the directive. 

Karanja explained that Kenya’s macadamia industry is largely export-driven, with 95 perecnt of its annual production destined for international markets.  

The export of immature nuts has been blamed for damaging the global reputation of Kenyan macadamia and contributing to falling farm gate prices.  

While prices reached an all-time high of KES180 (US$1.40)per kilogram in 2019, by early 2023, they had plummeted to KES30 (US$0.23)-40 (US$0.41) per kilogram. 

In response to these challenges, the Ministry lifted the ban on raw macadamia exports in November 2023, allowing a one-year export window under Section 43 of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Act, 2013.

The move was intended to stabilize prices and manage the surplus stock affected by fluctuating global market conditions. 

However, Karanja emphasized that the export of processed macadamia kernels is more advantageous to Kenya than exporting raw, in-shell nuts. 

To ensure compliance with the new regulations, macadamia dealers are required to submit their current stock for inspection, verification, and clearance by November 15, 2024.  

Additionally, the Ministry has set a minimum guaranteed farm gate price of KES100 (US$0.78) per kilogram. 

The ban follows calls from macadamia processors, represented by the MACNUT Association, to reinstate the restriction on raw nut exports.  

The association warned that the practice had resulted in significant financial losses for local processors, reduced income for farmers, and widespread job losses.  

In the first half of 2024, Kenya’s kernel exports were valued at KES3.3 billion (US$25.6M), a sharp decline from previous years. The total loss in revenue from raw nut exports is estimated at over KES6.5 billion (US$50 million). 

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