Kenya bans export, transit of raw macadamia nuts to protect local industry
According to Authority, the law applies not only to Kenyan-grown macadamia but also to produce originating from other countries.
The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has imposed a firm ban on the export and transit of raw macadamia nuts through Kenya, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s nut processing industry and protecting local farmers.
In a statement, AFA said that the export of raw macadamia, including in shell and unprocessed nuts, whether wet or dry, is prohibited under the Crops Act 2013 and the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations 2020.
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According to Authority, the law applies not only to Kenyan-grown macadamia but also to produce originating from other countries.
"No raw macadamia nuts may be exported through or from Kenya, regardless of country of origin. Exporters from foreign states intending to trade in raw macadamia are therefore advised to use alternative foreign ports of exit and to refrain from routing raw macadamia produce through Kenya," said AFA.
The announcement follows several recent interceptions of raw macadamia consignments at various Kenyan border points. According to AFA, these seizures were part of ongoing enforcement efforts to uphold the law and support domestic value addition.
"In recent weeks, several consignments of raw macadamia nuts alleged to be in transit through Kenya have been intercepted at various border points. These interceptions are in line with Kenya's continued enforcement of the Crops Act, 2013 and the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations, 2020, which aim to safeguard the local nut processing industry and promote value addition within the country."
The government views this directive as a strategic intervention to promote local processing and industrial development. By restricting raw exports, Kenya hopes to encourage investment in processing infrastructure, create more jobs, and enable farmers to benefit from higher returns.
“This measure aims to support local farmers and processors by promoting domestic value addition,” said Bruno Linyiru, Director General of the Authority.
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