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The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has issued a directive banning the export and transit of raw, unprocessed macadamia nuts—both wet and dry—through Kenya.
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In an official statement, AFA Director General Dr. Bruno Linyiru revealed that multiple shipments of raw macadamia nuts, allegedly transiting through Kenya, have recently been seized at various border points.
These actions, he said, are part of Kenya’s ongoing efforts to enforce the Crops Act, 2013, and the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations, 2020. The laws aim to protect the local nut processing sector and boost domestic value addition.
“The Authority firmly states that no raw macadamia nuts—regardless of their country of origin—may be exported via Kenya. Exporters from other nations are urged to find alternative ports and avoid using Kenya as a transit route for raw macadamia,” Dr. Linyiru cautioned.
He explained that the restriction is designed to empower local farmers and processors by encouraging in-country processing and supporting industrial growth.
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AFA further advised stakeholders and the public to seek clarification through their official contact: info@afa.go.ke.
Kenya is currently the world’s third-largest macadamia producer, with the sector expanding rapidly—mainly driven by smallholder farmers.
Retail prices for a 250g packet of macadamia range between Sh313 and Sh745, while raw nuts fetch about Sh150 per kilogram at wholesale.
Major macadamia-producing counties include Embu, Meru, Kiambu, Tharaka Nithi, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Nyeri.
