By Michelle Ndaga
Avocado farmers in Githunguri are preparing for the official launch of the Githunguri Avocado Cooperative Society (GAS) on September 12, 2025, at Githunguri Stadium.
The event will bring together farmers, agribusiness partners, financial institutions, and key players in Kenya’s agricultural sector.
The cooperative, which unites hundreds of smallholder farmers from Githunguri and surrounding areas, aims to transform livelihoods by improving access to reliable markets, technical training, and financial support.
Organizers say the initiative will address long-standing challenges such as post-harvest losses, market exploitation, and low bargaining power.
Local MP Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, a strong advocate for the project, hailed the launch as a turning point for the community. She noted that the cooperative will “open new doors for farmers to access better markets and training, improve livelihoods, and strengthen the agricultural backbone of Githunguri.”
The launch has attracted wide support from partners including the Githunguri Constituency Office, Githunguri Dairy Cooperative (GDC), Equity Bank, Bank of Africa, Nova Garden Limited, Komothai Coffee Growers Society, Avocado Farmers Producer Association, Safi Fresh Fruits Limited, Edufruqt Fresh Ltd, Sakifarm Ltd, Purevado, Keitt, and the Fresh Produce Consortium.
Planned activities include exhibitions, partner engagements, and training sessions on modern farming practices, value addition, and export opportunities.
More than 1,000 participants ranging from farmers and investors to government representatives are expected to attend.
The milestone comes as Kenya cements its position as a global leader in avocado exports, with farmer cooperatives playing an increasingly vital role in driving quality standards, collective marketing, and sustainable agriculture.
