Avocado Society of Kenya Chief Executive Officer Ernest Muthomi has called on farmers in Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties to scale up avocado production as the country moves to double export earnings from Sh15 billion to Sh30 billion by 2028.

Muthomi said the two Mt Kenya region counties are strategically positioned to benefit from the expansion due to their favourable climate and growing interest in the Hass variety, which dominates Kenya’s export market.

He noted that avocado farming is gaining momentum in the region, supported by suitable agro-ecological conditions along the slopes of Mount Kenya and backing from county governments.

“Farmers in these regions are increasingly shifting from traditional crops to high-value avocados. This is the next ‘green gold’, and we encourage more growers to come on board,” said Muthomi.

According to the society, Kenya is widening its export footprint following its entry into the Chinese market in 2022, with the first consignments shipped in July and August that year. Since then, exporters have been targeting additional markets in Asia to boost foreign exchange earnings.

Muthomi said Kenya is keen to strengthen its presence in China while expanding exports to countries such as Malaysia and India, where demand for the fruit continues to rise due to growing awareness of its nutritional value.

“We have been exporting to cities such as Shanghai and are opening up more markets in Asia. Consumers are increasingly appreciating the health benefits of avocados, which is driving demand,” he said.

Beyond Asia, interest in Kenyan avocados has also been reported in countries including South Korea and Italy, attributed to the fruit’s quality and oil content.

Although Hass remains the leading export variety, Muthomi said farmers are also producing Fuerte and Jumbo types for both domestic and international markets.
He, however, raised concern over the export of immature fruit by rogue traders, warning that the practice risks damaging Kenya’s reputation abroad.

“Some traders are harvesting and exporting unripe avocados, which compromises quality. We want overseas consumers to enjoy a good eating experience and maintain confidence in Kenyan produce,” he said.

The society continues to offer technical guidance to farmers on production standards, quality control and access to international markets.

Avocados are currently among Kenya’s top horticultural exports, ranking second in foreign exchange earnings after cut flowers.

The country is listed among the world’s leading producers and has in recent years overtaken several African competitors in export volumes.

Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization shows global avocado production is steadily rising, with strong growth recorded in Asian markets, particularly China, as well as sustained demand in the United States.

Industry players say meeting the Sh30 billion target will depend on adherence to quality standards, expansion of acreage and compliance with export regulations.