AFA Cracks Down on Malpractices in Macadamia Industry to Boost Quality and Export Standards
AFA Steps Up Efforts to Enhance Macadamia Quality and Enforce Regulations
The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) is intensifying efforts to streamline the macadamia value chain to improve the quality of nuts for both local and international markets. AFA, in collaboration with county governments, law enforcement, and other relevant agencies, will boost surveillance and enforcement in macadamia-growing areas, aggregation stores, processing facilities, and exit points.
AFA Director General (DG) Dr. Bruno Linyiru emphasized that these actions align with the Authority’s mandate to regulate, develop, and promote the Nuts and Oil Crops sub-sector under the Crops Act 2013, the AFA Act 2013, and the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations 2020. Dr. Linyiru highlighted that routine surveillance and reports from stakeholders have revealed rising malpractices that are damaging the reputation of Kenya’s macadamia industry. These include harvesting, handling, trading, and processing immature nuts, as well as smuggling nuts out of the country.
The DG stressed that the Agriculture and Food Authority Act prohibits the export of macadamia nuts in their shell unless authorized by the Cabinet Secretary. He also pointed out that Section 29 of the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations, 2020 requires macadamia exports to go through designated customs ports and obtain export permits via the KenTrade TFP single-window system.
In addition to enforcement efforts, the AFA is focusing on ensuring that macadamia nuts are harvested, handled, and processed only when they are physiologically mature. Dr. Linyiru referenced the Kenya Standard KS EAS 1169:2024 for raw macadamia nuts in-shell, which outlines the necessary quality requirements for these products.
To further ensure quality and professionalism within the industry, the AFA is reinforcing that all dealers in scheduled crops, including macadamia nuts, must register with the Authority as per the Crops Act, 2013. This includes anyone involved in collecting, transporting, storing, or selling macadamia nuts. Manufacturers and processors must also hold a valid license.
Dr. Linyiru issued a stern warning that any individuals or companies found engaging in illegal activities, such as trading immature nuts or operating without a proper license, will face severe legal consequences, including the suspension or revocation of licenses.
The AFA’s efforts aim to protect Kenya’s macadamia industry by improving production practices and promoting compliance with export regulations, ultimately enhancing the global reputation of Kenyan macadamia nuts.
