- Sea-based avocado exports will close on October 30 due to low production volumes.
- AFA has tightened mango inspections and warned exporters against mixing consignments.
- Exporters and processors risk losing licences for violating the seasonal restrictions.
The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced the closure of Kenya’s sea-based avocado export season for the 2026/2027 period, citing low production volumes that cannot adequately support overseas shipments.
In a notice to avocado and mango exporters, importers and processors, the authority said the decision followed a nationwide survey conducted by its Horticultural Crops Directorate (AFA-HCD) across major avocado-growing regions to assess production levels and forecast supplies for the coming season.
Closure of sea shipments for Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton and Jumbo avocado varieties takes effect on Friday, October 30, 2026.
However, exporters will still be allowed to ship the four varieties by air, subject to inspection by the directorate. All consignments must also have traceability details to facilitate verification and ensure compliance with export requirements.
AFA has further directed avocado oil processors to suspend harvesting during the closed season. Processors holding avocado stocks and intending to export the oil must seek verification of their stocks through the directorate by Monday, November 2, 2026.
Only stocks verified in advance will be cleared for export. Importation of avocados for oil processing has also been suspended to prevent the harvesting of immature local fruits under the guise of imported produce.
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AFA said it would continue monitoring avocado maturity patterns and issue further guidance as necessary.
Meanwhile, the authority has tightened inspection requirements for mango exports following concerns that some exporters have been mixing mango consignments with avocados for sea shipment after the closure of the avocado season.
Such a practice contravenes Section 20(5) of the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020, according to the notice.
In addition, all mango produce intended for export must undergo inspection before an export certificate is issued. Exporters have been directed to ensure that consignments covered by their permits contain only mango fruits.
They must also apply for physical inspection through the directorate and clearly indicate the location of the packhouse to facilitate the process.
AFA warned that exporters who fail to comply with the new guidelines will not be issued export permits for their consignments.
AFA further cautioned that any exporter or avocado oil processor found violating the seasonal closure requirements risks having their export licence revoked, while permits for consignments initiated contrary to the guidelines will not be issued.
By Lizzy Aluga
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