The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has authorized the export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts for a period of 30 days, starting today, to enable exporters to service orders that were yet to be serviced.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr. Andrew Karanja explained that on 3rd November 2023, the Ministry lifted the ban on export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts for a period of 12 months which ended on 2nd November 2024.
Dr. Karanja said that between 3rd November 2024 and 9th November 2024, Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) – Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate undertook physical verification exercise to establish macadamia stocks held by various licensed processors, exporters and marketing agents.
He highlighted that from the exercise, it was established that some exporters had stocks of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts in shell and export orders that were yet to be serviced.
“In view of the aforementioned, and in exercising the powers conferred to me by Section 43 of Agriculture and Food Authority Act, 2013, I hereby authorize the export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts for a period of 30 days from December 4, 2024,” said the CS.
Dr. Karanja explained that licensed exporters who would wish to export raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts are required to apply in writing to Agriculture and Food Authority – Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate and attach a copy of duly filled and signed stock verification form.
“This intervention will enable verified stocks being held by various exporters to be cleared for export,” said the CS.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
