The Ministry of Agriculture has issued a ban on macadamia harvesting for four months, effective November 2.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja said the decision was made after consultations with industry stakeholders.
“A ban on macadamia harvesting will take effect from 2nd November 2024 until 1st March 2025 to curb the export of immature nuts. Dealers must submit their current stock for inspection, verification and clearance by 15th November 2024,” the CS said.
The Kenyan macadamia industry is heavily export-oriented, with approximately 95 per cent of its annual production being shipped to international markets.
In 2019, farm gate prices for macadamia nuts in shells peaked at an all-time high of Sh180 per kg.
“However, by early 2023, prices had dropped significantly, ranging between Sh30 and Sh40 per kg. To address this, the ministry, under Section 43 of the AFA Act, 2013, lifted the ban on raw macadamia exports, providing a one-year export window effective from 3rd November 2023,” he said.
“This remedial measure aims to stabilise prices and help farmers manage excess stock impacted by global market conditions.”
According to a rapid industry assessment, many local companies lack quality stocks for processing.
The assessment also showed that the harvesting, processing and export of immature nuts lead to poor performance of the Kenyan macadamia in the global markets.
“Exporting processed macadamia nuts (kernels) is more beneficial to Kenya than exporting raw in-shell (raw),” Karanja said.
The CS further added that a minimum guaranteed farm gate price of at least Sh100 per kilogram will be implemented.
He said the Agriculture and Food Authority is tasked with enforcing strict compliance with this directive, including revoking the licenses of violators.
“The authority will also increase inspections and
surveillance to eliminate unscrupulous dealers. The
national and county governments will continue working together to enforce the provisions of the Crops Act,
2013, and the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations,
2020,” Karanja said.