June 04, 2025 | The Star |
A new Sh70 million avocado aggregation plant in Murang’a County, co-funded by the World Bank and county government, now enables over 5,600 farmers to directly export their produce, bypassing middlemen and gaining better market access. Previously reliant on local exporters, farmers had little control over pricing, often earning as low as Sh3 per fruit. With the new facility—managed by the Murang'a Avocado Farmers Co-operative Union—prices could now rise to Sh30 per fruit. The plant sorts, grades, and packs avocados for the global market and is expected to increase income, reduce post-harvest losses, and create local jobs.
Governor Irungu Kang'ata called it the region’s first farmer-run factory and highlighted its potential to curb avocado theft, a problem that previously led farmers to harvest immature fruits. Woman Representative Sabina Chege emphasized the need for stricter regulations to prevent theft and encouraged investment in oil pressing equipment to further increase value and reduce waste. Murang’a, which contributes 32% of Kenya’s avocado production, generated Sh4.6 billion from the fruit in 2024. Farmers like Purity Mwihaki, who once watched her harvest rot, are now hopeful, citing improved income and livelihood through the county’s support and contract farming.
