Kenya enforces raw macadamia export ban to boost local processing, farmer earnings
Government defends export ban as stakeholders push for increased local consumption and innovative value addition strategies.
KENYA – Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the ban on the export of raw macadamia nuts, aiming to protect farmers from exploitation and promote local value addition.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki emphasized that the Government would not compromise on this directive and instructed the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) to ensure strict compliance.
Speaking at the inaugural National Macadamia Conference 2025, Kindiki stated that the ban is intended to increase the domestic processing of macadamia nuts.
He noted that local value addition would lead to higher market prices and better returns for farmers.
“We want value addition done on macadamia nuts before exportation, which will increase prices in the market and also returns to farmers,” the Deputy President said.
He further reiterated that the Government would not allow farmers to be shortchanged through the exportation of raw nuts at low prices.
Despite these intentions, some farmers and traders have expressed concerns that the ban could negatively affect their incomes. They argue that restrictions on direct exports prevent them from accessing competitive global markets, potentially limiting economic benefits.
Nevertheless, the Government maintains that the regulation will streamline and unlock the potential of a sector that remains largely untapped. Kenya is currently the third-largest exporter of macadamia nuts globally, trailing only South Africa and Australia.
In the wake of the export ban, processors and industry players are calling for strategies to increase domestic consumption. They aim to double local usage from the current 3,000 metric tonnes to at least 6,000 metric tonnes annually.
Presently, Kenya consumes just 5% of its annual macadamia production, estimated at 63,000 metric tonnes.
Mathias Muinde, General Manager of Macadamia Operations at Kakuzi, stated that Kenyan macadamia is on par with global competitors.
He urged all stakeholders to collaborate on enhancing consumption through innovative value-added products such as snacks, cold-pressed oils, gluten-free flour, organic manure, and biomass fuel from macadamia shells.
The industry is also advocating for the empowerment of smallholder farmers through improved agronomic practices. A coordinated approach involving government, processors, and producers is being viewed as essential to maximizing the domestic and global potential of Kenya’s macadamia sector.
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