Kenya extends macadamia export grace period by six months

KENYA – The Kenyan government has extended the grace period for macadamia exports by an additional six months in a move to enhance the agricultural sector.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja announced this decision, responding to requests from senators and the farming community. The extension aims to facilitate greater public participation in determining the future of macadamia exports.

The Senate Agriculture Committee, under the leadership of Kirinyaga Senator James Murango, played a crucial role in pushing for this extension.

Initially, the lifting of the export ban, set to expire on November 2, raised alarms among farmers. Many expressed concerns about the financial losses they faced due to low market prices and fluctuations in the global market, exacerbated by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Karanja emphasized the importance of the extension, stating, “We must ensure that the voices of our farmers are heard. This extension allows us to engage more with the community and consider their needs moving forward.”

According to Section 43 of the Agriculture and Food Authority Act, 2013, macadamia nut exports are regulated and require approval from the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture.

The current policy encourages local processing, addressing worries that raw exports primarily benefit foreign processors, particularly in China.

Despite these regulations, the Senate Agriculture Committee argued for the extension to prevent potential losses for farmers during the crucial harvest season.

The committee also advocated for more public participation in discussions surrounding a permanent lifting of the ban, reflecting the interests of local growers.

Kenya’s macadamia industry is vital, encompassing about 200,000 small-scale farms across the country and contributing roughly 20 percent of the global supply.

The growth of this sector is notable, with an increasing number of processing companies aiming to meet the rising global demand for macadamia nuts.

Market analysts project that the dried fruits and edible nuts market in Kenya will experience significant growth from 2024 to 2030, driven by increasing domestic and international demand.

Revenue in the fruits and nuts market is expected to reach approximately USD 2.74 million in 2024, with a modest annual growth rate anticipated in the coming years.

The main export destinations for Kenyan dried fruits include Pakistan, Yemen, the Netherlands, South Sudan, and the United Kingdom. Pakistan, in particular, has shown substantial growth as an export market.

With the grace period extended, farmers can better navigate market conditions and make informed decisions regarding their exports.

This decision marks a crucial step in supporting local agriculture and ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their products.

“Extending the grace period gives us a chance to plan better and engage in discussions about the future of our industry,” said a representative from the Kenya Macadamia Farmers Association.

“It’s essential that we continue to advocate for policies that benefit our farmers and the industry as a whole.”

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