The Ministry of Agriculture has authorized the export of macadamia nuts for the next 30 days.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 4, Agriculture CS Andrew Karanja announced that the directive follows the expiration of the lifting of a ban on raw macadamia nut exports on November 2.
Karanja explained that a physical verification exercise conducted by the Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) revealed that some exporters still had stocks of raw macadamia nuts.
"On 3rd November 2023, the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development lifted the ban on export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts for a period of 12 months, which ended on 2nd November 2024.
"Between 3rd November 2024 and 9th November 2024, Agriculture and Food Authority – Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate undertook physical verification exercise to establish macadamia stocks held by various licensed processors, exporters and marketing agents. From the exercise, it was found that some exporters had stocks of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts in shell and the exports orders that were yet to be serviced," Karanja remarked.
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He added, "In view of the aforementioned, and in exercising the powers conferred to me by Section 43 of Agriculture and Food Authority Act, 2013, I hereby authorize the export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts for a period of 30 days from the date of this notice."
The CS noted that licensed exporters who would wish to export Macadamia nuts are required to apply in writing to the AFA Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate.
"Licensed exporters who would wish to export raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts are required to apply in writing to Agriculture and Food Authority – Nuts and Oil Crops Directorate and attach a copy of duly filled and signed stock verification form," Karanja explained.
The CS maintained that the directive by the Ministry will enable verified stocks being held by various exporters to be cleared for export.
