The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has issued a directive prohibiting the exportation and transit of raw macadamia nuts through Kenya. As stated by AFA on Friday, July 18, no raw macadamia nuts will be permitted for export through the country, regardless of their origin.
Foreign exporters are advised to consider alternative ports for the export of raw macadamia nuts. The Authority stressed, "The Authority emphasizes that no raw macadamia nuts may be exported through or from Kenya, regardless of country of origin." Exporters are encouraged to avoid using Kenyan routes for their macadamia produce.
Recent weeks have seen several shipments intercepted as they attempted transit through Kenya, as noted by AFA. These actions align with efforts to uphold the Crops Act, 2013, and the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations, 2020. The regulations are intended to aid domestic farmers and processors by encouraging local processing and fostering industrial growth.
The interceptions are part of a broader initiative to support the local nut processing sector by boosting value addition processes within the nation, AFA noted.
Source: Nairobi Leo
