NAIROBI, Kenya — Kakuzi Plc shareholders have approved a first and final dividend payout of Sh16 per ordinary share for the 2025 financial year, following a strong recovery in profits driven mainly by avocado exports.
The payout, approved during the company’s 98th Annual General Meeting, represents a 100 pc increase from the Sh8 dividend issued the previous year.
The Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed agribusiness firm reported a turnaround from a Sh131.6 million after-tax loss in 2024 to a Sh387.5 million after-tax profit in 2025.
Avocado business drives recovery
Kakuzi attributed the recovery largely to improved performance in its avocado export business.
The company posted a pre-tax profit of Sh568 million from revenues of Sh5.4 billion, reversing a Sh167 million pre-tax loss recorded in the previous financial year.
Its avocado segment nearly doubled profits to Sh709 million in 2025, up from Sh361 million in 2024.
Speaking during the AGM, Kakuzi Managing Director Chris Flowers defended the long-term sustainability of Kenya’s avocado export business despite growing market and logistical challenges.
“The fact is, the business is challenging, but exporting fresh avocados remains viable as long as we produce quality fruit,” Flowers told shareholders.
The company exported 525 avocado containers last year compared to 446 containers the previous year, while production volumes rose by 23 pc despite pest and disease pressures affecting some exports.
Global disruptions remain a concern
Company officials, however, acknowledged that geopolitical instability and disruptions in Red Sea shipping routes continue posing uncertainty for exporters targeting European markets.
Kakuzi Chairman Nicholas Ng’ang’a said the firm was accelerating diversification efforts to cushion itself from global market shocks.
“To mitigate risks, we are pursuing further diversification across products and markets while actively exploring income streams from non-agricultural enterprises,” Ng’ang’a said.
As part of that strategy, the company is expanding into value-added avocado products, including frozen avocado pulp, crude avocado oil, and long-life avocado products designed to reduce dependence on volatile shipping conditions.
Blueberry and macadamia gains
Kakuzi also reported improved performance in its blueberry and macadamia businesses.
The company’s blueberry division posted a Sh5 million profit in 2025 after recording a Sh19 million loss the previous year.
Production volumes increased from 53 tonnes to 90 tonnes as the business shifted from experimental operations into profitability.
Meanwhile, profits from the macadamia segment rose sharply to Sh365 million from Sh69 million the previous year amid recovering global demand and improved prices.
Expansion and sustainability plans
Flowers said Kakuzi’s long-term strategy remains focused on measured expansion, value addition, and strengthening domestic sales channels.
The company has also invested in sustainability infrastructure, including expanding rainwater storage capacity by one million cubic metres to improve irrigation resilience.
Executives also dismissed speculation surrounding the company’s land holdings during the AGM.
“Kakuzi’s land is not for sale, and neither are we giving it away,” company officials told shareholders, insisting the company remains focused on preserving long-term shareholder value and future growth.
