The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has intercepted three 40-foot containers at the Port of Mombasa, suspected of illegally containing in-shell macadamia nuts declared for export to Mozambique. The containers, falsely declared as carrying tarpaulin, were flagged following intelligence gathered by KRA’s Customs and Border Control team.
This action follows the government’s continued enforcement of the ban on the export of raw, in-shell macadamia nuts. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development reaffirmed the ban earlier this year, aiming to protect Kenya’s local processing industry and ensure quality control.
Why the Ban on In-Shell Macadamia Exports?
The export ban, rooted in the Agricultural Food Authority (AFA) Act and the Oil Crops (Nuts and Crops) Regulations of 2020, is designed to boost local manufacturing sectors and protect farmers from exploitation. By restricting the sale of raw, in-shell macadamia nuts to foreign buyers, the law supports local value addition before the product leaves the country.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe emphasized that the ban would remain in place to safeguard more than 200,000 jobs and boost local processing. He noted that between July 2023 and February 2025, Kenya earned KSh 8.7 billion from exporting 10,670 tons of processed macadamia, compared to KSh 2.3 billion from 14,384.6 tons of raw macadamia.
Global Demand for Kenyan Macadamia
Kenyan macadamia nuts are highly sought after globally due to their superior quality, rich oil content, and distinct sweet flavor. The country’s high-altitude regions provide ideal growing conditions, resulting in nutrient-dense nuts. Sustainable and ethical farming practices further enhance their appeal in international markets.
In 2024, Kenya was among the top exporters of macadamia nuts, with export revenues contributing significantly to the economy. The average unit price paid by importers for in-shell macadamia nuts was $2,635 per ton, while shelled nuts commanded a higher price of $10,145 per ton, reflecting the added value of processing.
The government’s stance underscores the importance of local processing in maximizing earnings and creating employment opportunities within the country. Farmers are encouraged to collaborate with licensed processors to ensure compliance with export regulations and to benefit from the higher returns associated with processed nuts.