NAIROBI — Kenya has shut avocado exports by sea after supplies of export-ready fruit ran low, with the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) closing the harvesting season for sea shipments effective Friday, October 30, 2026.Nation
The temporary freeze applies to four varieties — Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton and Jumbo — following a nationwide survey by the Horticultural Crops Directorate that found current production volumes insufficient to sustain sea shipments. AFA Director General Calistus Efukho said in a notice that the findings showed production was too low for sea freight.Kenyans
Air exports of the four varieties will continue, subject to inspection by the directorate and the provision of full traceability details for every consignment. The authority said the measure is intended to safeguard Kenya’s avocado export standards during the period of reduced production.Nation
The closure also covers avocado oil processors, who must stop harvesting during the restricted season. Processors holding existing oil stocks intended for export have been directed to seek verification from the Horticultural Crops Directorate by Monday, November 2, 2026. Only verified stocks will be cleared for export. AFA has further banned the importation of avocado fruit for oil processing to prevent immature local fruit from being presented as imported produce.Saccoreview
Mango exporters have been warned against mixing mango consignments with avocados in an attempt to bypass the sea shipment restrictions, a practice that contravenes the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020. Exporters and processors who violate the guidelines risk having their licences revoked.Tukio
The decision tightens controls on a key horticultural trade that earned Kenya Sh20.8 billion in 2025. The restrictions will remain in place until further guidance is issued by the directorate as the industry enters a period of lower production.Nation