The Agriculture and Food Authority has asked all companies and traders handling macadamia to declare any nut stocks harvested before December 1, 2025, as the seasonal halt on picking and trade draws near.
The Authority said the declarations are required ahead of its annual shutdown, which stops harvesting and restricts exports for two and a half months.
In a notice signed by Director General Bruno Linyiru, AFA said the closure will run from December 1, 2025 to February 15, 2026, and reminded the industry that this directive follows an advisory issued on November 10, 2025.
In that earlier communication, AFA warned that “the export of domestically produced macadamia nuts shall not be permitted from December 1,2025 to February 15,2026 for any crop harvested during the closure period.”
The Authority, which regulates scheduled crops under the Agriculture and Food Authority Act of 2013, said the process is meant to keep order in the market and ensure only mature nuts reach buyers.
With the enforcement date now close, AFA has directed exporters, processors, importers and marketing agents to provide details of all nuts they already have in their stores, as long as the produce was collected before the ban begins.
According to the notice, all declarations must be submitted by December 1, 2025 through the official email listed by the Authority.
Once the submissions are received, AFA teams will be dispatched to confirm the information on the ground. The officers will check the amount and the condition of the nuts before approving them for movement during the closure period.
AFA stated that “only declared and verified quantities will be permitted for export during the closure period,” making it clear that any stock not declared or not confirmed by inspectors will not be allowed to leave the country.
The Authority says the tight rules are necessary because the sector has been struggling with issues such as early harvesting, unstable farm-gate prices and pressure from the export market.
The directive also follows remarks by Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe on November 21, 2025, where he instructed AFA, KEPHIS, PCPB and county governments to increase farmer education through both radio and field extension services.
He noted that growers continue to lose about Sh2.88 billion every year due to increasing pest damage and urged the agencies to support them quickly.
AFA says the aim of the closure and verification exercise is to protect farmers, maintain product quality and defend Kenya’s position in the international market.
The notice advises stakeholders who need help or clarification to contact the Authority through its official channels, saying it remains focused on ensuring a fair and open system during the shutdown.
