The Ministry of Agriculture has announced a ban on macadamia harvesting effective November 2, 2024, lasting until March 1, 2025. This decision, according to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja, aims to curb the export of immature nuts.
Karanja emphasized that exporting processed macadamia nuts is more advantageous for Kenya than sending raw in-shell nuts to international markets. Currently, the country exports approximately 95 percent of its annual macadamia production.
The ban was established following consultations with industry stakeholders. The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) will ensure compliance with the directive, including revoking licenses of those who violate the ban. “The Authority will also increase inspections and surveillance to eliminate unscrupulous business dealers,” Karanja stated.
In light of recent developments, the CS noted that farm gate prices for macadamia nuts reached a peak of Sh180 per kilogram in 2019 but plummeted to Sh30-40 per kilogram by early 2023. To address this, the ministry lifted the ban on raw macadamia exports for a one-year period effective November 3, 2023, to stabilize prices and assist farmers in managing excess stock exacerbated by global market conditions.
A rapid industry assessment revealed that many local companies are lacking quality stocks for processing. The assessment highlighted that the harvesting, processing, and export of immature nuts have adversely affected the global performance of Kenyan macadamia.
Karanja noted that sending processed macadamia kernels to the market is more beneficial to Kenya. To facilitate the harvesting ban, dealers must submit their existing stock for inspection and clearance by November 15, 2024. Furthermore, a minimum guaranteed farm gate price of at least Sh100 per kilogram will be implemented.
The national and county governments will collaborate to enforce the provisions of the Crops Act, 2013, and the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations, 2020.
During a recent meeting aimed at gathering farmers’ views on the laws governing macadamia, local farmers expressed the need for a review of existing regulations. They urged for stricter laws to prevent the raw export of macadamia and advocated for the establishment of a price control board to oversee the macadamia nuts export market, which they believe would help eliminate cartels responsible for poor farm gate prices.
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