October 30, 2025
The Avocado Society of Kenya (ASOK) has expressed concern over the recent directive by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) restricting avocado harvesting across the country.
While acknowledging the importance of safeguarding Kenya’s reputation as a leading exporter of quality avocados, ASOK says a more consultative and evidence-based approach would achieve better results for farmers, processors, and exporters alike.
In a statement, ASOK noted that past broad restrictions have not always produced the intended outcomes and can sometimes disadvantage legitimate players, particularly smallholder farmers and value-addition enterprises, who depend on the crop for their livelihoods.
“We must protect Kenya’s avocado brand, but we must do it with data, fairness, and care. Restrictions imposed without consultation harm livelihoods and fail to solve the root problem. The way forward is enforceable maturity standards and coordinated stakeholder engagement,” said Muthomi Ernest, Chief Executive Officer of the Avocado Society of Kenya.
Restrictions Don’t Fix the System
ASOK emphasized that protecting the country’s avocado reputation requires discipline, transparency, and collaboration among all stakeholders, including growers, marketers, packhouses, exporters, and regulators.
The Society observed that rather than imposing sweeping restrictions, regulators could work closely with industry players to understand the specific challenges leading to premature harvesting or export rejections. This, ASOK says, would ensure targeted solutions that protect quality while supporting livelihoods.
“What is needed,” the Society noted, “is not blanket restrictions but coordinated systems that promote maturity testing, traceability, and compliance with international standards.”
A Framework for Evidence-Based Regulation
To strengthen regulation in the sector, ASOK has proposed a data-driven approach based on scientific and practical principles rather than general bans.
Its recommendations include:
- Setting a minimum dry-matter level of 23% before opening the harvest season for both export and oil processing.
- Conducting joint maturity and dry-matter surveys across producing counties with participation from growers, processors, and regulators.
- Enhancing traceability and targeted inspections to ensure compliance while allowing legitimate trade to continue smoothly.
According to ASOK, such measures would not only ensure Kenya’s avocados meet international quality standards but also increase oil yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance foreign exchange earnings.
Impact on Processors and Value Addition
The Society also highlighted that value-addition players such as avocado oil, purée, and frozen product processors may be particularly affected by the current restrictions.
ASOK’s mapping indicates there are nearly 60 active avocado oil processors in Kenya, many of whom rely on a consistent supply of fruit for their operations throughout the year.
The Society noted that continuous dialogue between regulators and processors is essential to balance quality assurance with the need to sustain employment and investment in value addition.
“Kenya has made significant progress in building a value-added avocado industry,” ASOK said. “Maintaining open communication ensures that regulatory decisions support both quality and industrial growth.”
Regional Coordination and Maturity Standards
ASOK further noted that it is working with regional counterparts to harmonise maturity standards and harvest calendars across East Africa.
This initiative aims to promote consistency in export quality, reduce market disruptions, and strengthen the region’s collective reputation as a reliable supplier of premium avocados.
Harmonised standards would also make it easier for growers and exporters across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda to comply with international market requirements and avoid premature harvesting.
Protecting the Avocado Brand Responsibly
Kenya’s avocado industry continues to play a vital role in the economy, earning the country over KSh 20 billion annually and supporting thousands of smallholder farmers.
However, the sector occasionally faces challenges related to fruit maturity, which can lead to rejections in export markets.
ASOK acknowledges AFA’s commitment to addressing these concerns but urges that future regulatory actions be guided by verified data, stakeholder input, and practical field realities.
“The real question is not whether to restrict, but where and why the system breaks down,” the Society observed. “That is what must be addressed.”
ASOK is encouraging continued dialogue between the Agriculture and Food Authority, growers, exporters, and processors to design a shared framework that balances quality control with industry sustainability. The Society maintains that inclusive decision-making, supported by scientific maturity testing and traceability tools, will strengthen the avocado value chain while maintaining Kenya’s leadership in the global market.
“Protecting our avocado brand requires cooperation, not confrontation,” ASOK concluded. “Through evidence-based standards and open communication, we can secure both our reputation and the livelihoods of those who depend on this vital crop.”
Kenya’s Avocado Industry at a Glance
| Indicator | Estimate (2024–2025) |
| Annual Production | Over 400,000 metric tonnes |
| Export Earnings | KSh 20–25 billion |
| Top Export Markets | European Union (Netherlands, France, Spain), Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia) |
| Smallholder Participation | Over 70% of total production |
| Processing Facilities | ~60 oil and value-addition processors (ASOK, 2025) |
| Harvest Seasons | Main: March–July; Off-season: October–December |
| Leading Varieties | Hass, Fuerte |
| ASOK’s Recommended Maturity Standard | Minimum dry matter ≥ 23% before harvest |