Govt ban export of unprocessed macadamia via Kenyan borders
By William Muthama, July 18, 2025The Kenyan government has announced a firm ban on the export and transit of raw macadamia nuts through the country’s borders, reaffirming its commitment to protect local processors and promote domestic value addition in the agricultural sector.
In a statement released on Friday,July 18,2025 by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), the directive, grounded in the Crops Act, 2013 and the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations, 2020, prohibits the movement of in-shell and unprocessed macadamia nuts whether dry or wet through Kenyan territory, regardless of their country of origin.
“In recent weeks, several consignments alleged to be in transit have been intercepted at border points,” AFA said in its press release. “This enforcement action is meant to uphold the law and ensure that Kenya’s nut processing industry thrives through value addition.”
The move is aimed at discouraging the export of raw produce, which has long been criticized for undermining local industries and limiting job creation.
Kenya, a key producer of macadamia in Africa, has been investing heavily in nut processing facilities in a bid to increase returns for farmers and create more employment opportunities in the agro-processing sector.
Exporters from foreign nations using Kenyan routes to transit raw macadamia have now been warned to find alternative ports of exit. AFA has made it clear that no allowances will be made, even for goods originating outside Kenya.
“The Authority emphasizes that no raw macadamia nuts may be exported through or from Kenya,” the statement reads.
The ban is part of broader government efforts to drive industrial growth by shifting the country from an exporter of raw materials to a hub for processed goods.
Stakeholders with concerns or in need of clarification have been encouraged to reach out to AFA via their official communication channel:
The directive was signed by Bruno Linyiru, Director General of the Agriculture and Food Authority, underscoring the agency’s strict stance on the matter.