The government disclosed on Tuesday that India has consented to allow Kenyan avocado farmers access to its market. This development follows a virtual 10th Technical Level Joint Trade Committee meeting between Kenya and India, paving the way for higher-level discussions to remove non-tariff barriers. The Ministry of Trade views this as a positive step towards enhancing the value Kenyan farmers derive from their avocado produce.
India's decision is part of a broader strategy to deepen its engagement in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and technology transfers. By welcoming Kenyan avocados, India aims to diversify its agricultural import portfolio, which already includes Kenyan tea, coffee, and horticultural products. India, with its vast population exceeding one billion, represents a substantial market for Kenyan exports.
Avocados have become increasingly important to Kenya's economy, accounting for 17% of its total horticultural exports in 2023. With this move, Kenya is poised to expand its agricultural exports to India, alongside its current exports to over 152 destinations worldwide. According to the USAID's- Strategic Partnership Program Directorate, avocado exports from Kenya saw a 19.6% increase in volume from 2022 to 2023, reaching 468,438 tonnes.
The bilateral economic relationship between Kenya and India has been robust, with India ranking as Kenya's sixth-largest trading partner. The two nations have historically engaged in significant trade, with India being a key source of pharmaceuticals, machinery, and vehicles for Kenya.
Source: Kenyans