The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has intensified a crackdown on unlicensed macadamia dealers and processors across 14 counties, in a move aimed at protecting farmers, safeguarding quality, and curbing the rising theft of immature nuts from farms.
The enforcement drive follows concerns from government officials over increasing malpractices within the sub-sector, particularly during the peak harvesting season.
Speaking to journalists after an operation in Kiganjo, Gatundu South in Kiambu County, where one unlicensed dealer was arrested, AFA Deputy Director in the Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate, Patrick Kirimi, said those found flouting regulations will face legal action.
He noted that the multi-county operation is ongoing and targets illegal activities that undermine both farmers’ earnings and the integrity of Kenya’s macadamia industry.
“We are currently enforcing the crops, nuts and oil crops regulations of 2020, specifically in the field of macadamia because this is the peak period for the harvesting of macadamia, and it has been reported that there are malpractices that are going on in the counties,” he said.
Kirimi explained that all traders are required to register with the authority and obtain licenses, warning that the sector has been infiltrated by unscrupulous actors operating outside the law.
“We want to maintain our quality, and those unregistered traders are buying immature nuts from the farmers, which affects the quality of the produce that we are exporting,” Kirimi said.
During the Gatundu raid, AFA officials, accompanied by police officers, apprehended the suspect while he was still receiving macadamia nuts and seized part of his equipment.
Kirimi underscored the economic importance of the crop, noting that macadamia exports earned Kenya Sh5 billion in 2024, with revenues continuing to rise. He said the authority is working closely with stakeholders across the value chain, including farmers, processors, marketers, and exporters, to boost production and streamline operations.
He added that Kenya currently ranks as the world’s third-largest producer of macadamia nuts after South Africa and China, a position the authority is keen to maintain and improve.
Kirimi also urged processors to comply with existing regulations, noting that adherence would enhance access to premium international markets.
He said lawful processing and export of high-quality nuts would not only fetch better prices but also support job creation and improve household incomes.
Under the existing regulations, individuals found engaging in illegal harvesting, trading, or theft of macadamia nuts risk a fine of up to Ksh 500,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or both.
Despite being ranked third globally in macadamia exports, AFA says Kenya is aiming for the top position, an ambition that hinges on strengthening traceability systems and enforcing compliance across the sector.
The authority maintains that strict seasonal regulations remain critical in ensuring Kenyan macadamia meets global quality standards while enhancing the country’s competitiveness in international markets.
