The Ministry of Agriculture has suspended the harvesting and trade of macadamia nuts across the country until February 15, 2026, in a move aimed at safeguarding quality and protecting farmers from premature harvesting losses.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Director General Bruno Linyiru announced that the suspension will take effect from December 1, 2025, following a national survey that revealed the crop is still in its physiological development stage.
“The Authority notifies all macadamia value chain players that harvesting and trading shall not be permitted during this period to allow the crop to reach full maturity,” said Linyiru.
He noted that the seasonal closure will ensure Kenya maintains its global reputation for premium-grade macadamia, adding that the ban on exporting raw, in-shell macadamia nuts remains in force.
“The Nuts and Oils Directorate continues to align harvesting and processing practices with maturity trends to safeguard kernel quality, oil content, and shelf life,” he added.
Macadamia is one of Kenya’s most lucrative cash crops, sustaining thousands of smallholder farmers, particularly in Embu, Meru, Kiambu, Tharaka Nithi, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Nyeri. The crop is also gaining traction in Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Machakos, and Taita Taveta.
Farmers use macadamia for a variety of products from roasted nuts, butters, and snacks to macadamia oil used in cooking and cosmetics. The shells are also repurposed into animal feed and charcoal briquettes.
Earlier this year, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe revealed that Kenya earned Ksh8.7 billion from exporting 10,670 tons of processed macadamia between July 2023 and February 2025, and an additional Ksh2.3 billion from 14,384 tons of raw nuts.
