AFA reopens macadamia harvest from February 1, only ripe nuts allowed

Bruno Linyiru, AFA Director General/FILE

The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced the reopening of the seasonal macadamia nut harvesting and trading window, effective February 1, 2026.

The move comes after a temporary closure aimed at protecting the quality, oil content, and shelf life of Kenya’s macadamia nuts, as well as safeguarding the country’s reputation in premium international markets.

The Authority imposed the seasonal closure on December 1, 2025, which was set to run until February 15, 2026.

During this period, AFA continued to monitor crop maturity trends and enforce compliance, particularly after reports of harvesting violations in some production areas.

Between January 19 and 23, AFA conducted a targeted macadamia maturity surveillance exercise across major macadamia-growing counties.

The exercise revealed that maturity levels varied significantly across different agro-ecological zones.

Most nuts in lower-altitude coffee-growing zones had reached physiological maturity, with some already falling naturally to the ground, prompting farmers to collect and dry them at home.

Conversely, nuts in higher-altitude tea-growing areas were largely immature.

The survey also confirmed that the maturity period varies by macadamia variety. Some cultivars mature earlier than others, making careful selection crucial to maintaining quality.

In light of these findings, and following requests from stakeholders, AFA has cleared the harvesting and trading of macadamia nuts to resume from February 1.

However, the Authority emphasises that only mature nuts should be harvested, while immature nuts should be left to develop further.

“Harvest only mature nuts and allow immature ones to develop,” Bruno Linyiru, AFA Director General, advised stakeholders.

Linyiru expressed appreciation for the cooperation shown by farmers and other stakeholders during the closure.

He reiterated AFA’s commitment to sustainable production, quality assurance, and continued market access for Kenyan macadamia nuts.

The Authority continues to encourage members of the public and stakeholders to seek clarification where necessary.

Queries can be directed via email at [email protected] or through the Authority’s offices at Tea House, Naivasha Road, off Ngong Road, Nairobi.

Kenya is among the world’s leading producers of macadamia nuts, a crop that has increasingly become a significant source of income for smallholder farmers.

AFA’s strict seasonal regulation is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that locally produced nuts meet global standards, while also enhancing the country’s competitive position in international markets.