Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe has extended the ban on raw macadamia exports ahead of the harvesting season, set to begin in March. The move aims to ensure industry compliance with the Agricultural Food Authority (AFA) Act, the Oil Crops (Nuts and Crops) Regulations of 2020. 

Additionally, CS Kagwe has urged macadamia farmers to register under the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management System (KIAMIS) to foster stronger collaboration between the government, farmers, development partners, and the private sector—ultimately creating better opportunities for farmers.

“The ultimate goals are to protect the nascent industry, raise both quality and quantity, protect farmers’ incomes, encourage local value addition in all agricultural value chains, create, grow and protect local jobs,” said Kagwe in a statement.

“AFA shall coordinate with the county governments to support farmers roll out formation of groups for the sector through such initiatives as the e-Extension service, subsidized fertilizer and real-time market information, and an organized farm base.”

The CS has also directed AFA to enforce the registration and licensing of dealers, particularly marketing agencies, in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders such as county governments and the National Police Service. He said Kenya ranks third globally in production and revenues but is at risk of losing market leadership if the current wrangles persist.

“Plantation growers will be prioritized to enhance monitoring of nut maturity across the Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZs),” Kagwe added.

The Macadamia Nut Processors Association of Kenya (MACNUT) and other stakeholders want the installation of mandatory inspections of macadamia shipments to ensure compliance and protect unsuspecting buyers.

Additionally, to protect unsuspecting buyers, the association seeks enforcement of zero-tolerance policy on the reintroduction of poor-quality nuts into the market will be done.

“Further a standardization system for assessing nut quality will be established aligned with existing quality standards and parameters. To ensure consistency and accurate quality assessment, clear guidelines will be developed for the use of X-ray scanners,” Kagwe said.

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