Kenya tightens port operations as avocado exports near peak season
The government is moving to improve port speed and coordination to protect avocado quality and keep exports on schedule as harvests begin.
KENYA – Kenya is sharpening its focus on port efficiency as the avocado harvesting season draws closer, with authorities aiming to cut delays that threaten fruit quality and export flows.
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui said ports sit at the centre of Kenya’s trade system, noting that more than 80 per cent of imports and exports move by sea.
He said smoother operations and cost control at the ports of Mombasa and Lamu would shape Kenya’s position in both regional and global markets.
“Increasing vessel turnaround time is especially critical as we head into the avocado harvesting season,” Kinyanjui said. “Avocados are a perishable commodity and one of the priority products we are keen to scale up for export, making speed and reliability at the ports essential.”
Pressure on Mombasa operations
Kenya’s avocado exports have grown steadily in recent years, driven by demand from Europe, the Middle East and parts of Asia. Exporters, however, continue to flag port congestion as a major concern, with delays raising the risk of spoilage and missed shipping windows.
To address this, the ministry convened talks with the Kenya Ports Authority, represented by Managing Director Capt. William K. Ruto, alongside the Kenya Ship Agents Association and the Kenya Revenue Authority.
The meeting reviewed workflow challenges at the Port of Mombasa and assessed steps to improve cargo movement and reduce the time goods spend at the port.
“Our objective is to ensure that fresh produce, especially avocados, moves seamlessly from farm to ship,” the Cabinet Secretary said.
He added that port performance links directly to incomes along the value chain. “When we get port efficiency right, we protect farmers’ incomes, support exporters, and strengthen Kenya’s reputation in international markets,” Kinyanjui said.
Exports grow as standards tighten
The government views port upgrades as part of a wider push to strengthen Mombasa’s capacity to handle rising volumes of time sensitive farm exports. Officials also see the port as a key link in regional logistics networks as demand for fresh produce continues to rise.
Exporters are now preparing for the season, when timing and handling conditions decide whether shipments meet buyer rules.
Kenya exported about 135,000 metric tons of avocados in 2025, earning roughly US$175 million. Production could exceed 600,000 tons in 2026, with export earnings likely to pass US$180 million if volumes rise as expected.
Hass avocados continue to lead shipments, with Europe and the Middle East remaining the main buyers. Future growth will depend on meeting European Union sustainability rules and building a stronger presence in Asia Pacific markets, where consumption continues to increase.
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