Kenya reopens macadamia harvest and trade from February 1

KENYA – The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) will reopen the harvesting and trading of domestically produced macadamia nuts from February 1, 2026, after a seasonal closure meant to protect quality and market value.

The Authority said it imposed the closure from December 1, 2025, to February 15, 2026, to protect kernel quality, oil content, shelf life, and Kenya’s standing in global macadamia markets.

“The closure aimed to safeguard kernel quality, oil content and shelf life, and to protect Kenya’s reputation in premium international macadamia markets,” the Authority said.

Field findings shape decision

During the closure period, the Authority monitored crop maturity and enforced compliance in areas where violations had been reported. Between January 19 and January 23, 2026, it carried out a targeted maturity check in major macadamia-growing counties to assess the current state of the crop.

The checks showed uneven maturity across regions. Nuts in lower-altitude coffee-growing zones had reached maturity, with some falling naturally and requiring collection and home drying. In contrast, nuts in higher-altitude tea-growing zones remained largely immature. The Authority also noted that different varieties mature at different times.

Based on these findings and requests from stakeholders, the Authority confirmed that harvesting and trading will resume from February 1, 2026.

“The Authority will officially re-open the harvesting and trading of macadamia nuts effective February 1, 2026,” it said.

Call for responsible harvesting

Even with the reopening, the Authority urged farmers and traders to handle the crop with care and to harvest only mature nuts.

“We strongly urge all stakeholders, particularly farmers, to harvest only mature nuts and allow immature ones to develop,” the statement said.

The Authority also thanked stakeholders for their cooperation and said it remains committed to sustainable production, quality assurance, and steady access to export markets.

“The Authority appreciates the cooperation demonstrated by stakeholders and reiterates its commitment to ensuring sustainable production, quality assurance and continued market access for Kenyan macadamia nuts,” it said.

Context from earlier directive

In November 2025, the Authority suspended harvesting and trade until mid-February 2026 after a survey showed that most nuts had not reached full maturity. The directive applied to farmers, processors, exporters, importers, and marketing agents, with inspections planned across key production zones.

“Following the findings of a recent macadamia phenological survey conducted across the production zones, the Authority has established that the main harvesting season for macadamia nuts is yet to commence,” the notice said.

The reopening now marks a shift from restriction to controlled activity, with the Authority stressing that quality and maturity must guide every step of the season.

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