Gov't suspends avocado sea exports from October 20th

In a statement signed by AFA Director General Dr Bruno Linyiru, the move follows a nationwide survey of key avocado-producing regions, which found that current volumes of the main season crop are insufficient to support continued sea shipment. 

The decision is also part of the Authority’s efforts to ensure that only mature fruit is harvested, thereby safeguarding the quality of Kenyan avocados and sustaining access to lucrative international markets.

"The Authority shall continue to closely monitor avocado maturity trends and patterns and review the notice in the second week of January 2026 and guide appropriately," the statement read in part. 

According to AFA, harvesting immature avocados has led to interruptions in crop cycles and reduced yields in subsequent seasons. 

By enforcing these regulations, the Authority aims to stabilize production, improve forecasting, and maintain the high standards expected in global markets. 

Although sea exports are suspended, the export of Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Jumbo varieties would continue via air shipment.

All consignments will, however, be subject to mandatory inspection by the Horticultural Crops Directorate, and exporters must provide full traceability information to obtain export clearance.

The directive also affects avocado oil processors, as only avocado oil processed before Monday, October 20, will be eligible for export. 

No export permits will be issued for avocado oil processed after the official closure date. Dr Linyiru revealed that the Authority would conduct inspections to confirm existing oil stocks before issuing any permits.

The Authority also stated it would review avocado maturity trends in the second week of January 2026 and provide further guidance based on updated assessments.

In addition, AFA raised concerns about some exporters violating the law by mixing mango consignments with avocado for sea shipment. 

To curb this malpractice, all mango exporters are now required to ensure that their consignments exclusively contain mango fruit. 

Further, exporters must apply for physical inspections by emailing the Authority and clearly indicating the location of their packhouses to facilitate inspection. 

Only fully compliant exporters will be issued permits for mango shipments.

AFA warned that any exporter or avocado oil processor found violating these guidelines would face strict penalties, including revocation of their export licenses and denial of export permits.