Proposed Avocado Farming Lease in Trans-Nzoia County Valued at Sh3.64 Billion
A new venture in Trans-Nzoia County could see a significant increase in avocado production, with a proposed land lease deal for the Agricultural Development Corporation’s (ADC) 1,000 acres expected to be valued at Sh3.64 billion. Recent disclosures indicate that Mount Elgon Orchards submitted a privately initiated proposal (PIP) for this project in July 2026.
Details of the Proposal
The proposal aims to establish an integrated avocado and berry farming enterprise on ADC land. The Treasury has confirmed that the PIP is currently under review, with the proponent expected to remit payments to the ADC based on earnings from the sale of processed fruits in both domestic and international markets.
As stated by the Treasury, “User-pay will be from the sale of processed produce (domestic and exports).” This innovative approach allows private firms to directly propose projects to the government, bypassing traditional competitive bidding processes. However, critics caution that this method may raise concerns regarding transparency and accountability.
Infrastructure and Value Addition
Previous disclosures from the ADC indicated that Mount Elgon Orchards plans to develop value addition infrastructure to enhance the avocado farming initiative. The ADC outlined that this venture will encompass the development, financing, establishment, and eventual transfer of a modern horticultural operation, leveraging approximately 1,000 acres in Trans-Nzoia County.
The primary objective is to establish a commercially viable enterprise focused on large-scale avocado and berry production. This includes necessary infrastructure to promote efficient farming operations and improve access to markets.
Kenya’s Position in the Global Market
Kenya stands as Africa’s leading exporter of avocados, exporting over 60 percent of its annual output to Europe and the Middle East, predominantly via sea transport. Projections for 2026 indicate an increase in avocado exports, driven by an expanded area dedicated to farming and heightened global demand, as noted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Future Projections
The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) anticipates a nearly five percent increase in avocado exports, forecasting a total of 727,000 tonnes in 2026. This growth is attributed to the resumption of sea shipments, the opening of new markets, and a shift toward high oil content avocado varieties.
According to FAS Nairobi, “Kenya’s avocado production is expected to grow by 4.8 percent in 2026, supported by increased area and improved yields in key production regions.” Avocados remain the country’s top fruit export, followed by other commodities such as pineapples and mangoes.
Production Regions
Avocado cultivation is prominent across 30 major counties in Kenya, particularly in the central highlands. Murang’a County is recognized as the foremost avocado-producing region, while other significant contributors include Meru, Nyamira, Kisii, Nakuru, Kiambu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Embu.
Additionally, there is a steady increase in avocado farming in Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, and select areas in western Kenya, reflecting a growing trend in the industry.
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