Mauritius has lifted the ban on Kenyan avocadoes. Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria has since welcomed and applauded the decision. Murang’a accounts for nearly 60% of avocadoes produced in Kenya. As such, the governor was more than happy to share his excitement following the announcement by the Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary last week.
According to Wa Iria, the deal struck between President Kenyatta and the Mauritius Government will go a long way in helping the ordinary avocado farmers improve their livelihoods, savings, living standards and income.
President Kenyatta said lifting of the ban by Mauritius would help improve Kenya’s export to the Indian Ocean Island country. He further noted that the move will be a major boost for horticultural farmers in the country especially women who are the majority in the sector.
Wa Iria revealed that his government has set aside 500,000 Hass avocado seedlings, which will be distributed to local farmers to increase production. He further urged farmers to take up avocado farming as part of the cash crop diversification programme because of the ready markets.
The Foreign Affairs CS said bilateral agreements had been signed between the two nations, lifting a ban on several Kenyan farms produce among them baby carrots, baby beans and broccoli.
The move by Mauritius comes less than six months after the Chinese government opened its doors to Kenya’s fresh produce.
