The government has suspended the export of avocados for the 2025/2026 season following a nationwide survey on the maturity of fruits for international shipment. In a notice on Friday, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) said the move aims to protect the quality of Kenya’s produce and safeguard its global market share.
The survey was part of the Agriculture and Food Authority’s mandate to enforce regulations, ensuring that quality produce is marketed both locally and internationally. The period of suspension guarantees that only mature avocados are harvested to sustain and grow Kenya’s international markets.
AFA Survey Reveals Low Volumes
AFA’s Horticultural Crops Directorate conducted a countrywide assessment in major avocado-growing regions to determine the current production levels and forecast for the next season. The findings showed that the main-season crop volumes were too low to sustain export by sea, prompting the temporary closure.
Effective Monday, October 20, 2025, exporters will not be allowed to ship avocados by sea. However, limited air shipment of Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Jumbo varieties will continue under strict inspection and traceability conditions.
“The closure of the export season ensures that only mature avocado is harvested, maintaining the reputation of Kenyan produce in international markets,” the Authority stated in its notice.
Export Controls for Oil Processors
The directive also affects avocado oil processors, who will only be permitted to export oil processed before the closure date. AFA will carry out verification inspections to confirm existing stocks before issuing any export permits.
“No permit will be issued for avocado oil processed after the closure of the harvesting season,” the Authority warned, adding that processors must request inspection through the official compliance email.
Also Read: Truth Behind Kenya Banning Fresh Avocado Exports
The move is part of a broader government effort to prevent premature harvesting, which disrupts the crop cycle and reduces yield in subsequent seasons.
Stricter Rules for Mango Exporters
In the same notice, AFA cautioned mango exporters against mixing mango consignments with avocados for sea shipment.
The Authority noted that the practice contravenes Section 20(5) of the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020.
“Following the closure of the avocado harvesting season and export by sea, some exporters mix mango consignments with avocado for sea shipment, which is against Section 20 (5) of the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020,” AFA noted.
All mango exporters must now ensure that only mango fruits constitute the consignment being shipped.
Also Read: Govt Issues Warning to Mango and Avocado Exporters
Each batch will undergo packhouse inspection to confirm quality and compliance, and only physically acceptable fruits will be cleared for export.
Warning Against Non-Compliance
AFA Director General Dr Bruno Lenthall emphasized that any exporter or avocado oil processor found violating the closure and inspection guidelines risks revocation of their export license.
The Authority will continue monitoring crop maturity before reviewing the directive in January 2026 to determine whether exports can resume.
The decision underscores Kenya’s commitment to protecting the integrity of its horticultural exports, ensuring sustainable production, and maintaining global confidence in Kenyan avocados and mangoes.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
