NAIROBI, Kenya – The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced the closure of Kenya’s avocado export season for sea shipments for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, in a move aimed at protecting the quality of the country’s produce and sustaining its position in global markets.
In a notice issued by Director General Bruno Linyiru, AFA said the directive takes effect on Monday, October 20, 2025, following a nationwide assessment that found the current avocado volumes insufficient to justify continued exports by sea.
“Only mature avocados should be harvested to ensure Kenya continues to meet the high standards demanded internationally while protecting future crop cycles,” said Linyiru.
The Authority said it has been closely monitoring harvesting trends across major avocado-growing regions, with findings indicating that the main crop season is winding down earlier than expected.
Air Exports to Continue for Select Varieties
Despite the closure for sea shipments, AFA clarified that exports of select varieties — including Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Jumbo — will still be allowed by air, subject to inspection and full traceability documentation.
“Export clearance will be granted after verification by the Directorate. Traceability information will be required for all consignments,” Linyiru added.
Restrictions for Oil Processors and Exporters
The authority further announced that the avocado harvesting season is also closed for processors of avocado oil, who will now be required to undergo verification inspections to confirm existing stock levels. Only oil processed before the closure date will be eligible for export.
“No permit shall be issued for avocado oil processed after the closure of the harvesting season,” AFA warned, urging processors with old stocks to seek inspection and clearance through the compliance office.
Warning Against Mixing Shipments
In a separate advisory, AFA cautioned mango exporters against mixing mango consignments with avocado during export, a practice previously used by some traders to evade restrictions.
The authority noted that such actions contravene Section 20(5) of the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020, and will attract regulatory action.
Maintaining Kenya’s Export Reputation
Kenya remains one of Africa’s top avocado exporters, with the crop generating billions of shillings annually in foreign exchange.
However, stakeholders have repeatedly warned that premature harvesting threatens the country’s credibility in international markets.
AFA said it will continue to monitor avocado maturity patterns across major producing zones and issue an updated advisory in January 2026 to guide the next phase of exports.
