Editor's Review

The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has issued a warning over a letter claiming to authorize the export of raw macadamia nuts.

The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has issued a warning regarding a forged letter that falsely claims to authorize the export of raw macadamia nuts.

In a statement on Sunday, May 25, the AFA disclosed that a fraudulent letter dated May 21, 2025, and bearing the purported signature of the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, is currently being circulated.

"The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) wishes to inform the general public, stakeholders in the nuts and oil crops industry and all enforcement agencies that a forged letter dated 21st May 2025 purporting to authorize the export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts is currently in circulation.

"The forged letter falsely bears the name and signature of the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development," the statement read.

File image of Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA)  CEO Bruno Linyiru

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AFA noted that the document did not originate from any legitimate channel and reaffirmed that the current legal restrictions on raw macadamia exports remain unchanged.

"AFA affirms that the letter in question is a forgery and was not issued through any legitimate channel. In accordance with Section 43 of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Act, 2013, the ban on the export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts remains in force. Furthermore, no exemptions have been granted as of the date of this release," the statement continued.

To ensure accountability, the authority confirmed that it has referred the matter to law enforcement for further investigation.

"The Authority has reported the matter to the Inspector General of Police for investigation and prosecution of all parties involved in drafting, circulating, or attempting to use the fraudulent document," the statement further read.

AFA concluded by calling on all stakeholders to be vigilant and avoid engaging in any illegal activities involving raw macadamia exports.

"We urge all exporters, enforcement agencies, and the general public to disregard the forged letter in its entirety, avoid engaging in or facilitating any export of raw (in-shell) macadamia nuts, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) or the relevant law enforcement agencies," the statement concluded.