NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 7 – The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has warned macadamia industry players against harvesting, trading, or processing immature nuts, vowing to take legal action against violators, including license revocation and prosecution.
The Authority noted that individuals or companies engaging in illegal harvesting, trading, or processing of immature nuts, operating without a valid license, or smuggling macadamia nuts out of the country will face strict legal action.
Routine surveillance and stakeholder reports have exposed widespread violations that threaten the integrity and reputation of Kenya’s macadamia market.
“Such practices compromise the integrity of the supply chain and undermine Kenya’s position in the global macadamia market,” AFA said.
AFA Director General emphasized that the authority is taking firm action to safeguard the industry and maintain Kenya’s global market standing.
“We are committed to protecting the integrity of Kenya’s macadamia industry. Any individual or company found violating regulations will face the full force of the law,” he said.
The authority reiterated that under Section 43 of the Agriculture and Food Authority Act, the export of in-shell macadamia nuts is strictly prohibited unless authorized by the Cabinet Secretary.
Additionally, Section 29 of the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations, 2020, mandates that all nut exports go through designated customs ports, with export permits applied for electronically through the KenTrade TFP Single-Window system.
“Macadamia nuts must only be harvested, handled, and processed when they are physiologically mature,” AFA stated, citing the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations, 2020, and Kenya Standards KS EAS 1169:2024 and KS 2958-1:2022, which outline the industry’s quality requirements.
AFA further emphasized that all industry players, including collectors, transporters, and marketing agents, must register with the authority as required under Section 16 of the Crops Act, 2013.
Manufacturers and processors of macadamia products must also obtain a valid license before operating.
The authority urged farmers, traders, processors, and exporters to comply with regulations to ensure the sustainability and profitability of Kenya’s macadamia industry.
AFA was established in 2013 under the Agriculture and Food Authority Act and is responsible for regulating and promoting various agricultural sub-sectors, including nuts and oil crops, to ensure compliance with industry standards and enhance market competitiveness.
Under the Crops Act 2013 and the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations 2020, AFA oversees the macadamia industry by enforcing guidelines on harvesting, trading, and processing to maintain quality and prevent exploitation.
The Authority works closely with county governments, law enforcement agencies, and industry stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of Kenya’s agricultural value chains.
Its mandate includes licensing dealers, monitoring exports, and enforcing restrictions such as the ban on exporting raw in-shell macadamia nuts.
By implementing policies aligned with global best practices, AFA aims to protect local farmers, promote value addition, and strengthen Kenya’s position as a leading macadamia producer.
