The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has taken decisive action by deregistering the Avocado Association of Kenya (ASOK), citing allegations of misconduct and violation of membership laws.
In a letter dated Monday, January 15, 2024, the AFA’s Horticultural Crops Directorate accused ASOK, led by its CEO Ernest Muthomi, of engaging in online misinformation and miscommunication regarding the avocado export business.
The state agency claimed that ASOK’s actions, particularly through Muthomi, targeted fruit exporters, jeopardizing multi-billion deals, especially with avocado buyers in the Middle East.
AFA further alleged that ASOK had been promoting the export of immature avocados to regional and international markets, despite the Authority closing the avocado harvesting season and export by sea in November of the previous year. Additionally, ASOK reportedly informed importers that the Kenyan avocados in their markets were contraband and should be removed from supermarkets.
The Authority attributed ASOK’s deregistration to its failure to use appropriate communication channels and spreading information that could harm the reputation of the exporting industries.
Christine Chesaro, Acting Director of AFA’s Horticultural Crops Directorate, stated, “The conduct of ASOK and its leadership is counter-productive to the growth and development of the entire horticulture industry and hurts Kenya’s trade ties with other countries, especially on the export of horticultural commodities.”
Highlighting Kenya’s position as the leading exporter of avocados in Africa and the sixth globally, contributing over Ksh.19 billion annually in foreign currency earnings, Chesaro explained, “The Authority, pursuant to the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations 2020, para. 13, sub-sections (1, 2), and (3), is hereby officially deregistering ASOK and ceases to recognize it as an Industry Association with effect from the 15th day of January 2024.”
Consequently, Chesaro called off all business operations with ASOK, emphasizing that this decision aims to safeguard the reputation of the horticulture industry and that of the country.
