Kenya lifts temporary ban on macadamia exports

KENYA – The Kenyan Ministry of Agriculture has temporarily lifted its ban on the export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts, granting exporters a 30-day window to fulfill outstanding orders. 

The decision, announced by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja on December 5, 2024, comes after a stock verification exercise conducted by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA).

The verification exercise, carried out between November 3 and November 9, revealed that some exporters still held verified stocks of raw macadamia nuts intended for export. 

“In view of the aforementioned, and in exercising the powers conferred to me by Section 43 of the 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,” stated Karanja.

Exporters seeking to utilize this window must apply in writing to the AFA’s Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate, accompanied by a completed stock verification form. 

The Ministry explained that the intervention aims to help exporters clear pending stocks, though it remains unclear whether the ban will be reinstated after this grace period.

Controversial move amid sector challenges

The macadamia industry in Kenya has been marred by disputes over the export of raw nuts, with processors arguing that it undermines local processing and reduces economic benefits. 

Represented by the MACNUT Association, processors have called for a permanent ban, citing financial losses, reduced farmer incomes, and job cuts across the value chain.

In October, the Ministry imposed a ban on macadamia harvesting from November 2, 2024, to March 1, 2025, to curb the export of immature nuts and stabilize the sector. However, this directive was challenged in court. 

High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi ruled on November 13 that the Ministry could not interfere with the proprietary rights of farmers, traders, and exporters of processed in-shell macadamia nuts.

Kenya’s macadamia export performance has been declining. In the first half of 2024, kernel exports were valued at KES3.3 billion (US$25.5 million), significantly lower than in previous years. The total revenue loss from raw nut exports has been estimated at over KES6.5 billion (US$50.2 million).

Kenya’s position in the global market

Despite these challenges, Kenya remains a key player in the global macadamia market, ranking third behind South Africa and Australia for exports of nut-in-shell and kernel macadamia. 

Approximately 95% of the country’s annual macadamia production is exported, highlighting the sector’s reliance on international markets.

The Ministry’s latest directive seeks to balance the competing interests of farmers, processors, and exporters while addressing concerns over quality and market stability. 

The temporary lift on the export ban will allow verified stocks to move through the supply chain, but the future of Kenya’s macadamia export policy remains uncertain as stakeholders push for long-term solutions.