The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), under Kenya's Ministry of Agriculture, has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing strict export standards within the agricultural sector. It maintains the ban on exporting raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts, a measure intended to encourage the export of only mature products and ensure adherence to best agricultural practices. This ban, in effect since March 2025, aims to prevent the international market from receiving immature produce.
In response to a forged document circulating on social media, the AFA has reiterated that the export ban remains in force. The authority clarified that a letter allegedly signed by the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe, dated 21st May 2025, is fraudulent. The AFA stated: "The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) wishes to inform the general public, stakeholders in the nuts and oil crops industry, and all enforcement agencies that a forged letter dated 21st May 2025 purporting to authorise the export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts is currently in circulation. The forged letter falsely bears the name and signature of the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development." This stance aligns with Section 43 of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Act, 2013.
The matter has been referred to the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, for investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the forgery. The AFA also confirmed that no exemptions to the export ban have been granted as of the release date of the statement.
The AFA continues to support the macadamia industry through collaborations with local county governments, providing farmers with resources such as e-extension services, subsidized fertilizers, and real-time market information to help maintain standards in both domestic and export markets.
In related agricultural developments, a separate government initiative involves the purchase of surplus rice from Mwea farmers, valued at approximately USD 3.9 million (KSh 500 million). This program supports the livelihoods of around 8,500 farmers from Kirinyaga and neighboring counties by absorbing a rice volume of 5,512 tons.
Source: Tuko
