The Kenyan avocado industry, a golden goose generating over Sh1.9 billion annually, has been rocked by a major scandal, culminating in the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) unceremoniously axing the Avocado Association of Kenya (ASOK) on Monday.

This unprecedented move stems from a cocktail of alleged misconduct, including online misinformation, communication breakdowns, and potential sabotage of multi-billion shilling export deals.

Christine Chesaro, Acting Director of AFA's Horticultural Crops Directorate, laid bare the accusations against ASOK, painting a picture of reckless misinformation and self-destructive industry sabotage.

"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," Chesaro stated.

Adding fuel to the fire, AFA alleges ASOK actively promoted the export of immature avocados – a blatant disregard for regulations closing the season in November 2023.

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Worse still, ASOK stands accused of falsely branding Kenyan avocados already in international markets as "contraband," urging their removal from supermarket shelves.

Such irresponsible actions not only damage the reputation of our vital export industry but also undermine Kenya's trade ties with key partners.

She emphasized Kenya's position as Africa's top avocado exporter and sixth globally, highlighting the dire consequences of ASOK's alleged missteps.

Invoking the Crops (Horticultural Crops) Regulations 2020, Chesaro officially deregistered ASOK, severing all ties with the association effective immediately.

"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 w. e. f 15th day of January 2024," she declared.

With the powerful ASOK now sidelined, the Kenyan avocado industry faces a turning point.

Whether this swift removal marks a fresh start for responsible trade or sparks further turmoil remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: the once golden avocados of Kenya have taken a bitter tumble, and the path to regaining their shine hangs in the balance.