The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has intensified operations targeting unlicensed dealers and processors of macadamia nuts across major growing counties, as it seeks to enforce compliance with sector regulations and streamline the value chain.

The coordinated exercise, involving AFA officers and county police units, has focused on buying centres and roadside operations where non-compliant trading is reported.

Authorities say the crackdown is guided by the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations 2020 and is aimed at restoring order in the sector.

Recent operations in areas such as Kiganjo in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, led to arrests and seizure of equipment from dealers operating without valid licences.

AFA officials have maintained that enforcement will continue across all producing regions.

“The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has intensified a crackdown on unlicensed dealers and processors of macadamia nuts in all the macadamia growing counties,” the AFA X post dated April 10, 2026, reads.

Enforcement targets illegal trading and quality concerns

AFA has stated that the operation is assessing the extent of roadside shelling, which is linked to reduced quality of macadamia nuts and weak traceability in the market chain. The Authority is also examining illegal trading practices involving non-registered dealers operating in buying centres.

According to officials, the crackdown is intended to eliminate premature harvesting of nuts from farms, a practice that affects yield quality and reduces farmers’ income.

The enforcement teams are working to identify traders involved in handling immature produce and those bypassing regulatory requirements.

The Authority has indicated that all offenders will be processed in accordance with existing laws governing the macadamia sector.

Export performance and sector importance

Kenya is ranked among the top global macadamia producers, positioned fourth after South Africa, China and Australia. The industry supports thousands of smallholder farmers across Mt Kenya, parts of Eastern Kenya and the Rift Valley.

In 2024, macadamia exports earned approximately Ksh 5 billion in foreign exchange, with growth attributed to expanding value addition and improved market access. The sector remains a key contributor to rural household incomes and export earnings.

Farmers have, however, raised concerns over pricing and market regulation. Issues highlighted include restrictions on in-shell sales and price fluctuations during the marketing season, which began in February 2026 following a temporary closure to allow nuts to mature.

Policy debate and stakeholder concerns

During a farmers’ forum at Kibugu Coffee Cooperative Society, Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji raised concerns over agricultural policy implementation, including delays in settling debts owed to coffee cooperatives.

He cited disparities in debt clearance across sectors and called for reforms in macadamia marketing, including allowing in-shell sales to enhance competition and improve farmgate prices.

Mukunji also urged the introduction of region-specific agricultural inputs, noting that soil conditions vary across producing areas and require tailored fertiliser solutions.

The Agriculture and Food Authority has maintained that enforcement of licensing and quality standards will continue as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening Kenya’s macadamia value chain and improving global competitiveness.