Kenyan avocado prices rise fivefold as bulk buyers divert supply to cities
The crisis is driven by commercial buyers who purchase harvests directly from farms, bypassing local markets for higher profits in Nairobi.
KENYA – Avocado availability in Kisii and Nyamira counties has declined sharply, with prices quintupling from Sh10 (US$0.07) to Sh50 (US$0.35) per fruit.
Once a plentiful and affordable dietary staple, avocados are now hard to find in local markets because commercial shifts favour bulk buyers from major cities.
Samson Nyamweya described the change. “Avocados were plentiful, affordable, and almost taken for granted. They accompanied vegetables, enriched githeri and other meals, but their presence is fast disappearing, replaced by rising prices and empty stalls.”
The crisis is driven by commercial buyers who purchase harvests directly from farms, bypassing local markets for higher profits in Nairobi.
Alice Kemunto explained, “It is becoming difficult to source produce from farms. Production has declined, and many growers now prefer selling to bulk buyers from major towns.”
Kemunto added, “These buyers go directly to farms with vehicles and cash. As a result, much of the harvest never reaches local markets.”
For local consumers, this commercialization has made traditional meals less nutritious and more expensive. Evans Nyakundi said, “Avocados made meals like githeri tastier and more filling. Now we have to spend more, yet they are not even available.”
In addition, weather variability has reduced yields, while the transition to export-oriented Hass varieties remains stalled. The region has promoted Hass to increase output and support export markets, but adoption is limited by seedling costs of Sh100 to Sh200 (US$0.70 to US$1.40).
As a result, this upfront investment is prohibitive for average smallholder farmers, despite potential long-term returns.
Previous processing initiatives have not been sustained, leaving farmers with few alternatives to bulk sales. The tension between regional food security and commercialization pressures is evident. While export markets offer higher prices, local consumers lose access to affordable, nutritious food.
The shift towards commercialization has altered market dynamics, with growers prioritizing bulk sales. The region has promoted higher-yielding varieties, such as Hass, to increase output and support export markets, but adoption remains limited due to seedling costs.
Further, community members urge the government to provide agricultural support to boost production and stabilize the domestic market.
Therefore, residents are calling for government support. Samson Nyang’au said, “Authorities should support farmers to increase production so that supply can meet demand.”
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