The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has announced the closure of Kenya’s avocado harvesting season for sea exports, effective Friday, October 30, 2026, citing low production volumes and insufficient supplies for international markets.
In a notice to avocado and mango exporters, importers and processors, AFA said a nationwide survey conducted through the Horticultural Crops Directorate (AFA-HCD) across major avocado-growing regions found that current production levels could not adequately support sea shipments.
The closure affects the Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton and Jumbo avocado varieties destined for export by sea.
Kenya Closes Avocado Sea Export Season from October 30. Photo: Courtesy.
However, exporters will continue shipping the four varieties by air, subject to inspection and clearance by the directorate.
AFA stated that all export consignments must undergo inspection, with exporters required to provide traceability details before receiving clearance.
The authority has also closed the avocado harvesting season for avocado oil processors. Processors holding oil stocks intended for export during the closed season must request verification through the directorate by Monday, November 2, 2026.
Only avocado oil stocks verified in advance will qualify for export during the closure.
Additionally, AFA has suspended the importation of avocado fruit for oil processing to prevent traders from using imported produce as a cover for harvesting immature avocados locally.
The directorate said it would continue monitoring avocado maturity patterns and issue further guidance when necessary.
AFA Tightens Mango Export Rules
In the same notice, AFA raised concerns over some exporters mixing mangoes with avocado consignments destined for sea shipment following the closure of the avocado export season.
The authority warned that the practice contravenes Section 20(5) of the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020.
Under the new guidelines, mango exporters must ensure that consignments covered by export permits contain only mango fruits.
Exporters must also apply for physical inspection by emailing and clearly indicate the location of the packing facility to enable inspection.
AFA warned that exporters who fail to comply with the requirements risk having their export licences revoked, while permits for consignments prepared contrary to the guidelines will not be issued.
The measures aim to strengthen compliance with export regulations and ensure that horticultural produce shipped from Kenya meets the required standards.
