Nairobi: The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has directed the opening of harvesting of avocado for export by sea shipment to commence on 2nd April 2026. This decision follows a comprehensive field survey conducted by the Authority from 1st to 6th March 2026, which aimed to assess the maturity indices and volumes of avocados in key production zones.
According to Kenya News Agency, the survey initially determined that the mature fruits were insufficient to justify opening the harvesting season, leading to an extension of the restriction on avocado harvesting for sea shipment. However, AFA’s Acting Director General, Calistus Kundu, announced in a statement on Friday that there has been an improvement in fruit maturity across major production areas. This improvement has prompted the Authority to allow the harvesting season to begin.
Kundu outlined that starting 7th April 2026, all fresh export produce will undergo mandatory packhouse inspections, and exporters must apply for these inspections at least three days before shipment. He emphasized the requirement for exporters to submit a list of their registered Horticultural Produce Marketing Agents (HPMA) or suppliers by 30th March 2026.
Furthermore, Kundu addressed the specific requirements for avocados destined for oil processing, stating that such avocados must reach higher maturity indices and their harvesting will commence on 30th April 2026. He cautioned exporters against transporting harvested avocados in anything other than crates, warning that non-compliance, such as using open pickup trucks or Probox vehicles, would result in the revocation of registration or licenses.
The Ag. Director General also noted incidents of premature harvesting by some exporters and processors. He stated that the Authority will conduct regular surveillance of packhouses and avocado oil processing facilities. Any processor or exporter found dealing with immature avocados will face the revocation of their packhouse registration and export license.
The Agriculture and Food Authority, created under the Agriculture and Food Authority Act of 2013, holds the mandate to develop, regulate, and promote scheduled crops, enforcing regulations to ensure quality products are available both locally and internationally.