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The Ministry of Agriculture has authorised the export of macadamia nuts for the next 30 days.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja (pictured) announced that the directive follows the expiration of the lifting of a ban on raw macadamia nut exports on November 2.

In a statement issued on December 4, the CS explained that a physical verification exercise conducted by the Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) revealed that some exporters still had stocks of raw macadamia nuts.

“On 3rd November 2023, the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development lifted the ban on export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts for a period of 12 months which ended on 2nd November 2024,” it said.

Karanja explained that between November 3 and November 9, 2024, Agriculture and Food Authority–Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate undertook physical verification exercise to establish macadamia stocks held by various licensed processors, exporters and marketing agents.

 From the exercise, he added, it was found that some exporters had stocks of raw macadamia nuts in shell and export orders that were yet to be serviced.

“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 authorise the export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts for a period of 30 days from the date of this notice.”

Karanja further stated that licensed exporters who would wish to export raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts are required to apply in writing to Agriculture and Food Authority–Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate and attach a copy of duly filled and signed stock verification form.

This intervention will enable verified stocks being held by various exporters to be cleared for export.

The ministry issued a ban of macadamia harvesting on November 2, 2024 until March 1, 2025 to curb export of immature nuts.

Dealers were to submit their current stock for inspection, verification and clearance by 15th November 15, 2024,” Karanja said.

The CS noted last month that Kenyan macadamia industry is heavily export-oriented, with approximately 95 per cent of its annual production shipped to international markets.

“In 2019, farm gate prices for macadamia nuts in shell (NIS) peaked at an all-time high of Sh180 per kilogramme. However, by early 2023, prices had dropped significantly to Sh30- Sh40 per kg,” the CS said.

The government’s policies on raw Macadamia exports have raised farmers’ concerns over the past few months. They have complained that many processors purchase their nuts at very low prices thus diminishing revenues without offsetting costs.

According to the World Macadamia Organization, Kenya is the third largest nut-in-shell and kernel macadamia exporter, after South Africa and Australia.