State halts sea shipment of avocados over low volumes
Mango exporters have been reminded that consignment mixing with avocado for sea shipment is not allowed under Section 20 (5) of the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020.
The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced the closure of the sea shipment season for avocados, citing low production volumes as the reason.
The move aims to protect Kenya’s international market reputation by ensuring only mature and high-quality fruit is exported, while reducing disruptions to future harvest cycles.
More To Read
- Tanzania’s green gold rush: How avocado waste is hurting farmers and what should be done
- MPs accuse Agriculture and Food Authority of ethnic bias, discrimination against PWDs
- High Court suspends Sh15 billion rice tender over cancelled bids
- Kenya’s coffee export earnings jump to Sh37.7 billion in 2023/2024
- Freight bottlenecks, cargo crisis shave Sh1.4 billion off Kenya’s flower sector
- Agriculture and Food Authority licenses 152 coffee dealers, rejects claims of export monopoly
Bruno Linyiru, Director General of AFA, said the decision follows a nationwide survey of major avocado-growing regions to assess production trends and forecast the upcoming main season.
“The findings indicate that there is currently insufficient volume of main season crop to warrant sea shipment,” he noted.
From Monday, October 20, 2025, the export of Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Jumbo avocados by sea will be halted.
However, exports by air will continue, subject to inspection and traceability verification.
The Authority emphasised that all avocado oil processors must also halt exports unless the oil was processed before the season closure.
Exporters seeking to move existing stocks are required to request inspection through [email protected].
“The Authority shall continue to closely monitor avocado maturity trends and patterns and review the notice in the second week of January 2026,” Linyiru said, signalling that guidance for future exports will be updated as production improves.
In addition, mango exporters have been reminded that consignment mixing with avocado for sea shipment is not allowed under Section 20 (5) of the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020.
Exporters must ensure that each shipment contains only mangoes and undergo physical inspection before export permits are issued.
Any violation of these guidelines could result in the revocation of export licenses.
This step demonstrates AFA’s commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s reputation for high-quality horticultural produce and maintaining stable and sustainable supply chains for the global market.
Top Stories Today
