The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has intensified enforcement operations targeting unlicensed dealers and processors of macadamia nuts across major macadamia-growing counties in a bid to restore order and enhance compliance within the subsector.
The ongoing crackdown involves the enforcement of the Crops (Nuts and Oil Crops) Regulations, 2020, with AFA officers, in collaboration with county security agencies, conducting inspections and raids on macadamia buying centres to identify and take action against non-compliant operators. Where necessary, arrests are being made to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
The exercise also seeks to assess the prevalence of roadside shelling and its impact on the quality of macadamia produce, as well as to address illegal trading activities involving unregistered dealers within the value chain. These practices have been identified as key contributors to reduced product quality and market competitiveness.
AFA noted that the crackdown is aimed at safeguarding farmers from exploitation by unscrupulous traders and minimizing cases of premature harvesting, which often results in significant losses and compromised nut quality. By enforcing compliance, the Authority seeks to promote fair trade practices and protect the integrity of the macadamia value chain.
Kenya remains among the top four global producers of macadamia nuts, alongside South Africa, China, and Australia. In 2024, the country earned approximately KSh 5 billion from macadamia exports, with the sector continuing to show strong growth potential.
Through these enforcement measures, AFA reaffirms its commitment to regulating the subsector, enhancing product quality, and ensuring that farmers and legitimate stakeholders derive maximum value from the industry.
