The Ministry of Agriculture has banned macadamia harvesting with effect from November 2, 2024, until March 1, 2025 to curb the export of immature nuts.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr. Andrew Karanja said that they have reached the agreement after consultations with industry stakeholders, as he explained that the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) is tasked with enforcing strict compliance with this directive, including revoking licenses of violators.
“The Authority will also increase inspections and surveillance to eliminate unscrupulous business dealers,” said the CS.
Dr. Karanja explained that the Kenyan macadamia industry is heavily export-oriented, with approximately 95% of its annual production shipped to international markets.
“In 2019, farm gate prices for macadamia Nuts in Shell (NIS) peaked at an all-time high of Sh180 per kilogram. However, by early 2023, prices had dropped significantly, to Sh30- 40/kg,” said Dr. Karanja.
To address this, the CS said that the Ministry, under Section 43 of the AFA Act, 2013, lifted the ban on raw macadamia exports, providing a one-year export window effective from 3rd November 2023.
The CS said that this remedial measure was aimed at stabilising prices and helping farmers manage excess stock impacted by global market conditions.
“A rapid industry assessment shows that many local companies lack quality stocks for processing. It also highlighted the harvesting, processing, and export of immature nuts has led to poor performance of the Kenyan macadamia in the global markets,” said the CS.
Dr. Karanja added that exporting processed macadamia nuts (kernels) is more beneficial to Kenya than exporting raw in-shell.
He said that to facilitate the ban, dealers must submit their current stock for inspection, verification, and clearance by November 15, 2024.
“A minimum guaranteed farm gate price of at least Sh100 per kilogram will be implemented,” assured the CS.
“The National and County Governments will continue working together to enforce the provisions of the Crops Act, 2013, and the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations, 2020,” said Dr. Karanja.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
