The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has officially announced the closure of Kenya’s avocado export season for sea shipment effective Monday, 20th October 2025, marking the end of the 2025/2026 fiscal year’s harvesting window.
According to a notice signed by Dr. Bruno Linyiru, OGW, Director General, the move follows a nationwide assessment of major avocado production zones which revealed that current volumes of mature fruits are insufficient to sustain continued exports by sea. The directive aims to protect Kenya’s reputation in international markets by ensuring that only mature, high-quality avocados are harvested, while also preventing premature picking that could disrupt future yields.
AFA clarified that only Hass, Fuerte, Pinkerton, and Jumbo avocado varieties will continue to be exported by air shipment, subject to thorough inspection and verification by the Directorate. Export clearance will now require full traceability information for all consignments. In addition, the Authority announced that the harvesting season has been officially closed for avocado oil processors. Only oil processed before the closure will be considered for export permits, and verification inspections will be conducted to confirm existing oil stocks. Any processors holding oil stocks and intending to export during the closed season must first request inspection through hcdcompliance@afa.go.ke.
No permits will be issued for avocado oil processed after the closure date, and any exporter or processor found contravening the seasonal guidelines risks revocation of their export license. The Authority will continue to monitor avocado maturity trends and review the notice in January 2026 to guide on reopening.
Mango Exporters Put on Notice
At the same time, AFA has directed all mango exporters to comply strictly with inspection requirements before any export certificate is issued. Exporters must ensure that the quantity of mangoes declared for export matches the fruits in the consignment and that every shipment undergoes physical inspection through the official application channel at hcdcompliance@afa.go.ke, clearly stating the packhouse location.
The Authority further warned that any exporter who fails to comply with these procedures will not be issued an export permit. Those who violate seasonal closure guidelines for avocados or attempt to mix avocado consignments with mango shipments for sea export will face severe penalties, including revocation of export licenses.
AFA noted that following the avocado season closure, some exporters have been mixing mango consignments with avocado for sea shipment — an act that contravenes Section 20(5) of the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations, 2020.