In 2024, Avocado exports earned the country revenue amounting to more than Sh20.5 billion ($159 million), an 11 per cent rise from the preceding year.

Over the years, the economic output of avocados has been realised, subsequently causing a rapidly expanding industry. Notably, these opportunities are mostly arising for smallholder farmers as global avocado demand continues surging.

Currently, Kenya has become one of the world’s top avocado producers, ranking 6th. Production in 2024 was at 562,000 metric tonnes, a drop from 633,000 metric tonnes in 2023.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that these numbers will rise to 585,000 metric tonnes in 2025. Better farming methods and increased lands under avocado cultivation are expected to drive this recovery.

Unlike traditional crops such as tea and coffee, avocados are earning Kenyan farmers greater profits. Smallholder farmers make up about 70 per cent of the country’s 966,000 avocado growers.

Farmers with an acre of land under avocados have realised enormous financial gains. The government is also supporting them through quality seedlings, training and subsidized farm inputs.

Joyce Kamau: How I made Sh. 4 million in two years selling avocados

Of the Kenyan counties, Murang’a leads in the total avocado contribution with 32 per cent. This region’s success is attributable to the formation of avocado cooperative societies which connect the farmers directly to exporters, who vet the produce for international quality standards.

Farmers not only get access to markets but it also strengthens their bargaining power, thus allowing them to get higher prices for their avocados whilst improving their income.

It’s recently been discovered that Kisii County is a favourable region for growing crops, particularly the Hass variety. Kisii experiences consistent rainfall patterns, thus farmers incorporate avocado farming into their other agricultural activities.

Ease of market access and better infrastructure have encouraged more farmers in Nakuru to grow avocados. The county’s varied climate further allows for year-round production.

Other counties involved in avocado production include Nyeri, Kiambu, Trans Nzoia, Kirinyaga, Nyamira, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Meru and Embu.

Demand for Kenyan avocados is steadily increasing in Europe and the Middle East. In 2024, the Netherlands was discovered as the top destination for Kenyan exports, accounting for 32 per cent of local produce.