The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced a temporary ban on the harvesting and trade of domestically produced macadamia nuts to protect crop quality and ensure compliance with international standards.
In a notice dated November 10, 2025, AFA Director General Dr. Bruno Linyiru stated that the suspension will take effect from December 1, 2025, to February 15, 2026. The ban applies to all macadamia value chain players, including processors, exporters, importers, and marketing agents.
“The Authority hereby notifies all macadamia value chain actors that harvesting and trade of domestically produced macadamia nuts shall not be permitted during this period,” said Dr. Linyiru.
According to AFA, the closure aims to give the crop adequate time to reach full maturity, enhancing the quality of nuts entering the market. This measure is part of efforts to safeguard the reputation of Kenya’s macadamia industry, a key player in the global market for premium nuts.
The Authority emphasized that the existing ban on the export of raw, in-shell macadamia nuts remains in effect. Through its Nuts and Oils Directorate, AFA has been aligning harvesting and processing timelines with macadamia maturity trends to protect kernel quality, oil content, and shelf life.
The decision follows findings from a recent macadamia phenological survey, which revealed that a significant portion of the crop is still in the physiological development stage.
AFA assured stakeholders that it will continue monitoring the crop’s maturity and provide updates if adjustments to the closure period are necessary. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining Kenya’s market competitiveness by enforcing quality standards that ensure only mature, high-grade nuts reach domestic and international buyers.
Stakeholders seeking clarification have been urged to contact the Authority via the official communication channels provided.
