Kakuzi PLC has announced a free Hass avocado maturity testing service for smallholder farmers at its Murang’a Packhouse near Makuyu town, along the Nairobi-Nyeri highway.
This initiative will begin on Monday March 17, 2025, aligning with Kenya’s national quality assurance strategy.
“Kakuzi continues to invest its resources to support smallholder farmers through several initiatives, including fruit testing to promote compliance with global quality standards,” said Chris Flowers, Managing Director of Kakuzi PLC.
The move comes as the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) confirmed the resumption of Kenyan Hass avocado exports on March 17, 2025.
The regulatory body conducted an assessment and found that the fruit had reached the necessary maturity levels for export.
AFA Director-General Bruno Linyiru stated, “The harvesting of avocado (Hass variety) for exports by sea shipment will come into force from 17th March 2025.”
The authority had previously allowed exports of the Fuerte and Pinkerton varieties from February 7, 2025, following a similar review process.
To maintain high standards, AFA has enforced strict regulations for exporters. All shipments must undergo mandatory inspections at packhouses, and applications for approval must be submitted at least three days before departure.
Additionally, exporters must provide a list of their Horticulture Produce Marketing Agents (HPMA) by March 15, 2025. Only registered agents with valid certification will be permitted to handle shipments.
Failure to adhere to transport regulations, such as moving avocados in open vehicles or without proper crates, will lead to penalties.
These guidelines also apply to avocados from East African Community (EAC) member states, requiring proper import documentation before entering Kenya.
Kakuzi has been strengthening its partnerships with policymakers to drive agricultural growth. The company recently hosted military officers from the Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC), where its Managing Director, Chris Flowers, emphasized the importance of agribusiness in economic development and national security.
Maj Gen Eric Kinuthia led the visiting team, which included officers from 16 countries. The discussions focused on how agriculture plays a crucial role in creating jobs, generating foreign exchange, and advancing technology. The National Economic Survey 2024 highlights agriculture as Kenya’s leading economic sector.
Kenya’s fresh produce exports continue to expand. The country’s horticultural export earnings rose from US$1.12 billion in 2022 to US$1.13 billion in 2023, driven by a rise in fruit and vegetable exports.
Fruit exports increased by 44.1% to 188.1 thousand tons, while vegetable exports more than doubled to 147.7 thousand tons.
Kakuzi’s fresh produce division recorded significant growth, with a 35% increase in half-year turnover to US$9.05 million. Avocado revenue grew by 42% to US$7.32 million, reaffirming Kenya’s global presence in the avocado market.
Macadamia revenue also rebounded to US$246,000, while demand for sustainable wood products contributed to a 54% divisional profit increase, reaching US$545,000.
The JCSC, established in 1983, trains Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers and international counterparts for leadership roles.
The visit to Kakuzi aimed to provide insights into the role of agribusiness in economic stability, national security, and international trade.
