National Government Administration officials in Gatanga Constituency have sounded the alarm over rising theft of avocados. As the fruit nears maturity and the main selling season opens, cases of night-time harvesting from farms have increased sharply.
In response, authorities have rolled out strict new guidelines. These measures aim to restrict movement of the produce and improve traceability to protect farmers from losses.
Gatanga Deputy County Commissioner Damaris Kimondo announced the restrictions. She warned that anyone flouting the rules will face the full force of the law.
Night Ban and Security Checks Imposed
Kimondo made it clear that avocado transportation will only be allowed during daylight hours.
“Any transportation of the avocados must be before 6 pm and after 6 am,” she said. “There will be checks at major entry points into the region, and anyone transporting beyond the stipulated hours will not escape law enforcement officers.”
Security teams will mount roadblocks at key routes leading out of Gatanga. The goal is to deter thieves who move stolen fruit under cover of darkness.
Brokers Must Buy Directly from Farmers
Additional rules target middlemen practices. Avocado brokers must now purchase the fruit straight from farmers and transport it directly to the market. They can no longer use informal village storage points that allow small quantities to change hands quickly.
Kimondo explained that such informal stores create easy outlets for stolen produce. Direct buying will seal loopholes and ensure farmers receive fair value for their crop.
Gatanga remains one of Murang’a County’s richest avocado zones. The fruit supports thousands of households through export earnings and local trade. Yet many farmers lose entire harvests overnight, especially during heavy rains when visibility is low and farms lie far from homes.
Farmers Welcome Tough Measures
Local growers have welcomed the directive. Wilson Mwangi, who has farmed avocados for over ten years, recounted how thieves cleared all fruit from his three-acre plot two weeks ago.
“The trees were left empty,” he said. Similar incidents have hit neighbouring farms.
Farmers say the new rules bring hope. With proper enforcement, they expect to safeguard their investment as the season peaks.
Murang’a produces large volumes of Hass avocados for both local and export markets. Theft has become a growing headache as global demand pushes up prices and attracts opportunistic criminals.
Call for Community Support
Officials urged residents to report suspicious activity. Collaboration between farmers, brokers, transporters, and security agencies will be key to success.
As the avocado season gathers pace, the measures aim to restore confidence. Farmers can now focus on harvesting and selling their crop without fear of night raids.
With checks in place and traceability improved, authorities hope to curb theft and let genuine producers reap the full benefits of their labour.
