The Kenyan government, through the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), has imposed a ban on the sea transportation of avocados, effective October 30, 2026. This decision was made due to insufficient production of mature fruits for the export market. The ban aims to protect the quality of Kenyan avocados in international markets, which generated approximately KSh 20.8 billion in 2025. The restriction applies to Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Jumbo avocado varieties.
According to AFA, exporters can still transport avocados by air, provided they have been inspected and approved by the Horticulture Crops Department. Additionally, the authority has announced the closure of the avocado harvesting season for factories that produce oil from the fruits. Companies with existing avocado oil stocks must request inspections by November 2, 2026, to obtain approval for export. Only inspected and certified oil will be allowed for export.
The AFA has also suspended the importation of avocados from other countries for oil production. This move aims to prevent traders from using imports as an excuse to harvest immature fruits locally. The ban on sea transportation and suspension of imports may impact small-scale farmers who rely on export companies. They may need to find local buyers, potentially at lower prices.
Air transportation is more expensive than sea transportation, which may lead companies to be more selective in choosing fruits and the quantity to purchase from farmers. Official data shows that Kenya exported avocados worth $160.1 million (KSh 20.8 billion) in 2025, with a total of 120,893 tons shipped to markets in the Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, Spain, and France.
The AFA will continue to monitor fruit maturity and production before providing guidance on the next season. All avocado shipments will be inspected before being issued export certificates, ensuring that consignments contain only avocados. The authority's decision aims to maintain the quality of Kenyan avocados in international markets.
The ban on sea transportation of avocados may have significant effects on the country's agricultural sector, particularly on small-scale farmers and export companies. The AFA's move is expected to ensure that only high-quality avocados are exported, maintaining Kenya's reputation in the global market.
Kenya's avocado export industry has been growing steadily, with the country becoming a significant player in the global market. The AFA's regulations aim to sustain this growth while ensuring that the country's avocado production meets international quality standards.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has banned the sea transportation of avocados to protect the quality of its exports.
- The ban applies to Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Jumbo avocado varieties.
- Exporters can still transport avocados by air, subject to inspection and approval by the Horticulture Crops Department.
