Kenya reinforces macadamia export ban to boost local processing

KENYA – The Kenyan government has reinstated a ban on the export of unprocessed macadamia nuts, a move aimed at strengthening local processing and securing better earnings for farmers.

The MACNUT Association of Kenya has responded to concerns from the Nut Traders Association of Kenya (NUTAK) regarding the Agriculture and Food Authority’s (AFA) decision to limit export licenses for raw macadamia nuts.

Kenya is the fourth-largest producer of macadamia nuts globally, holding a 13% market share. The sector plays a key role in the economy, contributing to foreign exchange and creating jobs, especially for farmers.

In 2023, Kenya produced 45,000 tons of nut-in-shell (NIS), and production is expected to rise to 63,000 tons by 2027.

With the ban reinstated on November 2, 2024, the government aims to increase value addition within the country, leading to more employment opportunities and higher revenues for local processors and farmers.

Despite its economic potential, the macadamia industry has faced challenges, including the underreporting of export volumes and collusion between traders and farmers to sell substandard nuts.

These practices have negatively affected Kenya’s international reputation and reduced farmers’ earnings. Environmental concerns also arise from drying unprocessed nuts, which threatens forest sustainability.

Jane Maigua, Chairperson of MACNUT, stressed the importance of maintaining the export ban. “The environmental impact of exporting unprocessed nuts is alarming,” she said.

She emphasized that local processing is necessary to protect investments in the sector and ensure its continued growth.

MACNUT is working with the government to provide direct sourcing opportunities, training, high-yield seedlings, and credit options for farmers.

These measures aim to improve productivity and guarantee fair earnings. Maigua reinforced the economic impact of the ban, stating, “If the ban is upheld, the processing and export of value-added macadamia nuts could contribute over USD 80 million to the Kenyan economy.”

Farmers and exporters face uncertainty

While processors support the policy, some farmers and exporters are experiencing financial strain due to AFA’s failure to issue mandatory export certifications.

The Nut Traders Association of Kenya, led by Chairman Johnson Kihara, has criticized the regulator for not complying with a court order directing the facilitation of in-shell macadamia exports.

“Tens of containers of macadamia nuts are stranded in warehouses,” Kihara said, warning that the prolonged standoff could lead to lower farm gate prices and major losses for farmers and traders.

The situation remains tense as the High Court had ruled on February 18, 2025, to extend an earlier order allowing the export of in-shell macadamia nuts.

This followed a petition by Eric Mbaabu Mwirigi and Edenswin Traders Limited, challenging a government-imposed harvesting ban from November 2, 2024, to March 1, 2025. The government had introduced the restriction to curb the export of immature nuts and stabilize the sector.

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