The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has given avocado farmers the green light to begin harvesting for sea export from April 2. The authority, however, issued a strong warning against premature harvesting as the 2025/2026 season opens.
The directive ends several weeks of anxiety for growers who waited for official clearance. AFA had postponed the start of the season after an early March assessment raised concerns about fruit maturity levels.
Between March 1 and 6, the authority carried out a comprehensive field survey across major avocado-growing counties. Officials have now confirmed that sufficient fruits have attained the required maturity for safe export.
Strict Compliance Emphasised
Acting Director General Calistus Kundu cautioned exporters and farmers to maintain high standards. Harvesting immature avocados risks rejection in destination markets and could harm Kenya’s hard-earned reputation as a reliable supplier of quality Hass avocados.
Packhouse inspections for fresh export consignments will start on April 7. Exporters must submit their lists of registered suppliers and apply for inspection at least three days before any shipment. Any violation, the authority warned, will attract severe penalties, including possible revocation of export licences.
Key Production Areas Ready
Farmers in Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Nyeri, Embu, Trans Nzoia, and other avocado belts are now preparing to pick mature fruits. Many had already delayed harvesting in line with AFA’s earlier caution, allowing trees extra time to reach optimal maturity.
Sea freight remains the main channel for bulk avocado exports from Kenya. It offers better returns for smallholders compared to air transport and targets major markets in Europe, the Middle East, and emerging destinations.
AFA has also set April 30 as the opening date for harvesting avocados meant for oil processing, which requires even higher maturity levels.
Economic Significance for Farmers
Avocado has grown into one of Kenya’s most valuable horticultural exports and an important income source for thousands of rural households. The timely opening of the sea export window comes as a major boost after the cautious delay.
Industry players say the regulated start will help protect prices and market access. Proper post-harvest handling, grading, and cold-chain management will be critical in the coming weeks to ensure fruits arrive in good condition.
County extension teams and packhouse operators are working closely with farmers to enforce maturity standards. Simple field tests for dry matter content and visual checks remain key tools for determining readiness.
Looking Ahead
With the harvesting window now open, avocado farmers across the country can plan their operations with greater certainty. The authority urged all players in the value chain to uphold best practices to make this season successful.
The move reinforces AFA’s commitment to quality-led growth in Kenya’s horticulture sector. As harvesting begins on April 2, the focus shifts to disciplined picking, careful handling, and sustained compliance to maximise earnings from this high-value crop.
