The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced a temporary suspension on the harvesting and trade of domestically produced macadamia nuts from December 1, 2025, to February 15, 2026,as part of efforts to maintain the country’s reputation for high-quality produce in global markets.
The seasonal closure, issued through AFA’s Nuts and Oils Directorate, aims to ensure that the nuts mature fully before harvesting.
The Authority said the decision follows findings from a recent phenological survey which revealed that a significant portion of the macadamia crop is still undergoing physiological development.
“The Authority has been implementing measures to align harvesting and processing practices on macadamia maturity trends, to safeguard kernel quality, oil content, and shelf life,” AFA Director General Dr. Bruno Linyiru said in a statement.
“This is essential for sustaining Kenya’s reputation for premium macadamia quality.”he added.
The suspension applies to all players in the macadamia value chain, including processors, exporters, importers, and marketing agents, who are prohibited from handling or trading locally produced nuts during the closure period.
According to AFA, the ban is intended to give the crop enough time to reach full maturity, thereby ensuring that nuts entering the market meet export quality standards.
The Authority warned that failure to comply could undermine Kenya’s competitiveness in the global market.
Dr. Linyiru added that AFA will continue monitoring crop maturity trends and communicate any necessary changes ahead of the reopening date.
