Gvt Announces Temporary Ban on Macadamia Harvesting

The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced a seasonal ban on the harvesting and trade of locally grown macadamia nuts.

In a statement issued on Monday, November 10, AFA said the ban will run from December 1, 2025, to February 15, 2026.

“The Authority hereby notifies all macadamia value chain actors, including but not limited to processors, exporters, importers and marketing agents, that harvesting and trade of domestically produced macadamia nuts shall not be permitted from 1st December 2025 to 15th February 2026,” the statement said.

AFA explained that a recent survey in key growing areas showed that most macadamia crops are still maturing and are not yet ready for harvesting. The ban is meant to allow the nuts to reach full maturity so that Kenya continues to produce high-quality macadamia for the international market.

“The seasonal export closure is intended to allow adequate time for the crop to attain full maturity and to ensure that all exports meet the required quality standards. The ban on the export of raw, in-shell macadamia nuts remains in force,” AFA added.

The authority said it will keep monitoring the progress of the crop and will update growers if any changes to the timelines are necessary.