AFA orders macadamia traders to declare stocks ahead of harvest ban
The directive follows an earlier advisory issued on November 10, cautioning that macadamia harvested within that timeframe will not be cleared for export under any circumstances.
The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has ordered all sector players to submit records of produce harvested before December 1, 2025, ahead of the annual halt on harvesting and trade.
The mandatory declarations come just days before the enforcement of a temporary ban that will restrict the movement of nuts harvested during the shutdown period.
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In a new notice signed by Director General Bruno Linyiru, the regulator reaffirmed that the two-and-a-half-month closure - running from December 1, 2025, to February 15, 2026 - will be strictly implemented.
The directive follows an earlier advisory issued on November 10, cautioning that macadamia harvested within that timeframe will not be cleared for export under any circumstances.
AFA, which oversees the regulation and development of scheduled crops under the Agriculture and Food Authority Act of 2013, says the declarations are compulsory for exporters, processors, marketing agents and importers who already hold old-season stocks.
Only nuts gathered before December 1 will be eligible, and the information must be submitted to the Authority’s official email by the same date.
The regulator has indicated it will dispatch verification teams to confirm the authenticity of the declared stocks.
These officers will assess both the volumes and quality standards before approving any consignments destined for export markets.
According to the notice, consignments not declared or authenticated during this process will automatically be excluded from export permissions throughout the closure.
The instructions come at a time when the macadamia sector is attempting to stabilise after recurring setbacks linked to immature harvesting and volatility in farm-gate and processor prices.
The Authority notes that the freeze on the export of nuts harvested during the closure is intended to curb poor-quality produce entering the market and to restore order across the value chain.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe recently emphasised the need for coordinated action among AFA, KEPHIS, PCPB and county administrations.
In his November 21 directive, he instructed the agencies to intensify awareness campaigns through radio and extension services to help farmers guard against heavy losses brought on by escalating pest infestations. Current estimates put the annual losses at Sh2.88 billion.
By tightening controls and reinforcing scheduled trade cycles, the Authority expects the industry to maintain the confidence of international buyers and protect the income of growers who depend on stable market conditions.
AFA has encouraged sector actors with inquiries to use its designated communication channels, assuring them that the upcoming shutdown will be managed transparently and in line with established regulatory procedures.
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