Kenya temporarily authorizes raw macadamia exports amid industry disputes
KENYA – Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has temporarily authorized the export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts for 30 days, allowing exporters to fulfill outstanding orders.
This decision follows the expiration of a 12-month export authorization that ended on November 2, 2024.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja announced the decision, citing findings from a stock verification exercise conducted by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) between November 3 and November 9, 2024.
The exercise revealed that certain exporters still held verified stocks of raw macadamia nuts intended for export.
“In view of the aforementioned, and in exercising the powers conferred to me by Section 43 of the Agriculture and Food Authority Act, 2013, I hereby authorize the export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts for a period of 30 days from December 4, 2024,” Karanja said in a statement.
To participate in the export window, licensed exporters must apply in writing to the AFA—Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate, accompanied by a completed stock verification form. The Ministry expects this intervention to help exporters clear their pending stocks.
The temporary authorization comes against a backdrop of ongoing disputes within Kenya’s macadamia sector.
Processors, represented by the MACNUT Association, have repeatedly called for a permanent ban on raw macadamia exports, arguing that the practice undermines local processing.
They claim it has led to significant financial losses for processors, reduced incomes for farmers, and job cuts across the value chain.
In October 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture imposed a ban on macadamia harvesting from November 2, 2024, to March 1, 2025, to address the export of immature nuts and stabilize the sector.
However, this directive faced legal challenges, resulting in a temporary suspension by the High Court. On November 13, High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi ruled that the Ministry could not interfere with the proprietary rights of farmers, traders, and exporters of processed in-shell macadamia nuts.
Kenya’s macadamia exports have faced a sharp decline in recent years. In the first half of 2024, kernel exports were valued at KES3.3 billion (US$25.6m), significantly lower than previous years.
The total revenue loss from raw nut exports has been estimated at over KES6.5 billion (US$50m).
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
