The government announced on Tuesday that avocado exports will be halted from this Friday onwards. This decision, made by the Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD), aims to allow avocados to mature fully and safeguard Kenya’s valuable export industry. Starting November 3, 2023, the export of Hass, Pinkerton, Fuerte, and Jumbo avocado varieties by sea will be suspended. However, avocados can still be shipped by air, including those in transit from other East African Community (EAC) countries. This move by the HCD is based on a survey conducted to verify the maturity levels of avocados in key production areas.

“Following the findings of the survey, we hereby notify the Kenyan avocado stakeholders that the closing of Hass, Pinkerton, Fuerte, and Jumbo harvesting season and export by sea for the 2023/2024 fiscal year shall be in force with effect from November 3, 2023,” said HCD acting Director-General Willis Audi.

He added: “Export clearance (including fruit consignments from the EAC region) shall be granted for air shipment, subject to inspection by the Directorate. Traceability information will be required for all consignments.”