The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has firmly denied reports alleging a government ban on the export of fresh avocados, calling the claims false and misleading. In a statement released on Monday, the authority clarified the purpose of a recent meeting held with avocado oil processors, emphasizing that Kenya remains committed to expanding its avocado export market.
The meeting, convened on 25th June 2025 in partnership with the Presidential Economic Transformation Secretariat (PETS), focused on avocado oil production and strategies to reduce post-harvest losses. A key resolution from the discussions was the need to ensure that all avocados not sold locally or exported are processed into oil, rather than wasted.
According to AFA, no proposal or recommendation to ban fresh avocado exports was made during the meeting, contrary to circulating rumors within the horticulture industry and on social media.
“The Authority confirms that Kenya shall not only continue to export fresh avocado, but is actively working to enhance both export volumes and destination markets,” stated Dr. Bruno Linyiru, OGW, Director General of AFA.
To support this objective, AFA is collaborating with county governments to boost avocado production at the farm level. This will ensure a sustainable supply for both fresh exports and the growing avocado oil processing sector.
Kenya continues to be a dominant player in the global avocado industry. In 2024, the country exported over 119.8 million metric tons of fresh avocados, generating Ksh. 22.27 billion in revenue. It ranks among Africa’s top producers and is listed among the world’s top six fresh avocado exporters.
For more information, the public is encouraged to contact the Agriculture and Food Authority via email at info@afa.go.ke.
Written By Rodney Mbua
