The Avocado Society of Kenya has appealed to President William Ruto to engage with China to reduce the increased tariffs slapped on Kenyan avocado exports.
Speaking during an agricultural field day held at Kabuline Primary School in Meru County, the CEO Ernest Muthomi urged the President to include the issue in his agenda when he visits China next.
The Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe, was also present at the event.
“China has imposed 30 percent tax on Kenyan avocados. It is quite high and it is hurting our farmers,” Muthomi said.
He added, “We are asking the President to speak directly to Chinese President Xi Jinping to reduce or remove these taxes. Kenya is still a developing economy—these high taxes significantly reduce the export value and harm our small-scale farmers.”
Muthomi said 90 percent of Kenya’s avocado comes from smallholder farmers, making them vulnerable to trade imbalances.
“Kenyan avocados are in great demand globally, and we have a good relationship with China. All we are seeking is better terms to allow us to export more freely and profitably,” he continued.
Avocado boom hits a speed bump
Kenya’s avocado industry has experienced an amazing growth explosion over the past couple of years.
Export alone to China has grown from 443.6 tons in 2022 to a whopping 6,350 tons in 2024—a 14-fold boost.
The success, industry actors aver, has been primarily thanks to improved logistics and efforts to penetrate the Chinese market.
However, Muthomi noted that despite the impressive growth, multiple challenges continue to plague the sector.
“We’re also battling indirect impacts of the Red Sea crisis. It has disrupted export routes to India and China, our largest markets. Add that to the lack of proper extension services and limited access to certified seedlings, our farmers are struggling,” he said.
Brokers and Unfair Markets
Farmers at the event echoed Muthomi’s sentiments and called for increased government oversight to prevent exploitation by brokers who offer poor prices.
Martin Murangiri, a prominent avocado farmer in Meru, emphasized the potential of avocado farming as a lucrative venture, especially the highly sought-after Hass variety.
“We hope the government can step in to insulate us from exploiters like middlemen. Hass avocado has a large market. What we need is protection and access to guaranteed certified seedlings,” Murangiri clarified.
Government Support Welcomed
Despite the difficulties, Muthomi welcomed the government’s move towards helping the avocado and macadamia farming sector.
He pointed out that Meru remains among Kenya’s leading avocado-producing regions, significantly contributing to the local and national economy.
He also welcomed Cabinet Secretary Kagwe for staying in touch with grassroots farmers.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya. The CS’s visit here today shows the government’s commitment towards our development,” he said.
Call for Strategic Trade Policies
As the avocado industry quickly develops into one of Kenya’s lead agri-exports, stakeholders are requesting strategic trade interventions and deals that will sustain the momentum.
“The trade balance in avocados between Kenya and China is skewed. It’s time to level the playing field. If we can succeed in negotiating these tariffs to be reduced, we will witness even more employment created, more farmers empowered, and strengthened economy,” Muthomi said.
While President Ruto prepares to embark on his diplomatic journey to China, the avocado industry will be watching closely—hoping their matter is not only heard but acted upon.
