By G, KNA
Hundreds of farmers, agribusiness players, and government officials gathered in Githunguri, Kiambu County, on Wednesday for the official launch of the Githunguri Avocado Farmers’ Cooperative Society (GAFCS), a new initiative aimed at transforming the region into a hub for avocado exports.
The launch, held at Githunguri Stadium, brought together smallholder farmers who have long faced challenges such as poor pricing, exploitation by brokers, and high post-harvest losses. With the cooperative, members hope to strengthen bargaining power, improve quality standards, and secure better access to both local and international markets.
Speaking at the event, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, who has championed the formation of the cooperative, said the initiative will restore dignity to farmers.
“This cooperative is not just about selling avocados; it is about ensuring your labor yields reward. When we work collectively, when we demand fair markets, when we invest in quality, then avocados become more than a fruit, they become opportunities,” she said.
The cooperative will also support farmers with training in good agricultural practices, post-harvest handling, and market information.
Partnerships with banks including Equity Bank and Bank of Africa will offer members access to credit and financing for essential infrastructure such as packhouses and cold storage.
One of the society’s flagship projects is the upcoming Nova Garden Packhouse, a modern facility that will enable proper grading, packing, and storage of avocados before export. The packhouse is expected to reduce spoilage and boost compliance with international quality standards.
Farmers at the launch expressed optimism that the society would end years of frustration caused by middlemen who often purchased immature fruit at low prices.
Peter Mwangi, a young farmer from the area, said the cooperative could finally help smallholders benefit from Kenya’s growing share in the global avocado market.
“I planted my first Hass trees two years ago, but I have struggled to find fair buyers but with the packhouse and training promised, I believe we will now compete better in the export market,” Mwangi said.
Agriculture experts estimate that Kenya’s avocado exports earn billions annually, with markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia showing rising demand. Githunguri, traditionally a dairy stronghold, now hopes to position itself as a key player in the lucrative horticultural sector.
` The launch comes as Kenya’s avocado industry shows strong growth prospects, according to a 2025 report by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), projections for 2025 are optimistic: production is expected to rebound by 4% to about 585,000 tons, helped by increased land under avocado cultivation and improvements in yield and quality. Export volumes are expected to reach 135,000 metric tons by the end of 2025.