The Nandi County Government has issued new policy guidelines aimed at cleaning up the avocado value chain, with mandatory permits, stricter nursery controls and a joint enforcement framework to address theft, immature harvesting and poor quality.
In a circular dated July 6, 2026, the Department of Agriculture and Co-operative Development said the measures take effect immediately.
The directive targets farmers, cooperatives, nursery operators, buyers, transporters, exporters and all other players in the avocado sector.
The County said it prioritized avocado because of its contribution to household incomes, employment, nutrition security and export earnings. But officials noted the industry is under threat from practices that undermine farmer incomes and Kenya’s reputation in export markets.
“Following extensive consultations with the Nandi Avocado Platform, it has been noted with concern that the avocado industry is increasingly threatened by proliferation of unlicensed and substandard avocado nurseries, sale of uncertified and poor-quality seedlings, premature harvesting of immature fruits,” the guidelines signed by Agriculture CEC member Dr. Kiplimo Araap Lagat, state.
Other challenges cited include poor harvesting and storage, unregulated buying centres, illegal transportation, increased theft of fruits from farms, and public health risks from unsafe handling.
Mandatory County Permits
To enhance traceability, curb theft and improve food safety, the county will make three permits mandatory for commercial avocado transactions.
Every commercial avocado harvest will require a County Harvest Authorization issued by the Department of Agriculture. The permit will indicate farm location, farmer details, variety, estimated quantity, intended buyer and harvest period.
Commercial aggregation centres, warehouses and temporary storage facilities will be required to obtain a County Handling and Storage Permit certifying compliance with food safety standards, public health requirements, hygiene standards and traceability requirements.
Commercial transportation of avocado fruits will also require a Movement Permit in accordance with national regulations and county enforcement procedures.
The permit will indicate source farm, destination, quantity and transporter. It will also capture vehicle registration, buyer information and permit reference number to facilitate traceability, prevent theft, assure quality and ensure food safety compliance.
Regulation of avocado buying centres in Nandi County
All avocado buying centres operating within Nandi County will be required to register with the County Government, meet minimum infrastructure requirements and maintain hygiene standards.
They must keep farmer purchase records and traceability records, and allow inspection by authorized officers. Unlicensed buying centres will not be permitted to operate.
Every commercial avocado consignment must maintain records showing farmer identity, farm location, harvest date, variety, quantity, buyer, aggregator, transport details and final destination.
Avocado is a food commodity intended for human consumption. Accordingly, every actor in the avocado value chain will be required to comply with Public Health requirements relating to food hygiene, safe harvesting practices, handling standards, storage conditions, packaging, transportation, prevention of contamination and worker hygiene.
Public Health Officers will conduct routine inspections of buying centres, aggregation centres, collection sheds, stores, transport vehicles and export preparation facilities.
Regulation of Avocado Nurseries in Nandi County
Every avocado nursery operating within Nandi County must be registered and licensed by the relevant authorities. Nursery operators will only propagate certified planting materials obtained from approved mother blocks. Sale of uncertified seedlings is prohibited.
County inspectors will undertake routine inspections of all nurseries. Illegal nurseries will be closed and seedlings confiscated where necessary.
No person will be allowed to sell uncertified avocado seedlings, misrepresent avocado varieties, sell diseased planting materials, or operate as an avocado seedling dealer without authorization.
Harvesting of Avocado Fruits
Harvesting will only be undertaken after fruits have attained the prescribed physiological maturity as provided under national standards. Harvesting immature avocado fruits is prohibited. Buyers will not be allowed to induce farmers to harvest immature fruits.
Any immature fruits found in markets, buying centres or transport vehicles will be liable to seizure.
To enhance compliance, the County Government has established a coordinated enforcement mechanism comprising the Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Health, County Enforcement Directorate, National Police Service, National Government Administration Officers and KEPHIS where applicable.
The Joint Enforcement Team will undertake farm inspections, nursery inspections, market surveillance, buying centre inspections, road compliance checks, warehouse inspections, enforcement against illegal harvesting and transportation, investigation of avocado theft, and seizure of illegally harvested or transported produce.
Offences Subject to Enforcement
The following will attract enforcement action under applicable national and county laws: sale of uncertified seedlings, operating an illegal nursery, harvesting immature avocado fruits, buying immature fruits, operating without required permits, illegal transportation, handling avocado under unhygienic conditions, obstructing authorized inspectors, falsification of permits, and theft or illegal possession of avocado fruits.
Farmers will be required to plant certified seedlings, harvest mature fruits only, maintain farm records, obtain required permits, and report theft and illegal buyers.
Buyers must purchase only mature fruits, buy from registered farmers, maintain purchase records and observe food safety standards.
Cooperatives and Farmer Organizations are expected to promote quality assurance, support farmer training, strengthen traceability systems and encourage collective marketing.
The County Government will provide extension services, strengthen inspections, facilitate licensing, coordinate enforcement and promote market access.
The Department of Agriculture will conduct continuous sensitization programmes on Good Agricultural Practices, harvest maturity indices, nursery certification, food safety, traceability, post-harvest handling, public health standards and market requirements.
These Policy Guidelines take effect immediately upon issuance. The Department will subsequently develop detailed operational procedures, permit application processes, inspection protocols and implementation manuals in consultation with the Nandi Avocado Platform and relevant national regulatory agencies.
