Macadamia harvesting to begin on March 1 as CS Kagwe extends export ban

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has announced that the harvesting season for mature macadamia nuts for 2025 will begin on March 1.

CS Kagwe also extended the export ban of all raw in-shell macadamia, noting that the move is to ensure that the industry adheres to the law in line with the Agricultural Food Authority (AFA) Act, the Oil Crops (Nuts and Crops) Regulations of 2020.

To create better opportunities for farmers, Kagwe urged macadamia farmers to register under the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management System (KIAMIS), to allow a cohesive partnership between the government, farmers, development partners and the private sector.

“The ultimate goals are to protect the nascent industry, raise both quality and quantity, protects 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 registration and licensing of dealers, particularly marketing agencies, in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders such as county governments and the National Police Service.

“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.

“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 added.

Meanwhile, Kagwe added, AFA is probing potential smuggling of in-shell macadamia nuts, affirming that perpetrators will be brought to book.