Avocado Prices Soar in Gusii Kenya as Traditional Staple Becomes Luxury for Local Families

Avocado prices soar in Gusii Kenya from Sh10 to Sh50 as bulk buyers export fruit to Nairobi, leaving local markets empty. Farmers now prefer selling to cities.

For years, avocados were a staple on dining tables across Kisii and Nyamira counties, from rural villages to urban centres.

The fruit, available in multiple local varieties, was widely grown, with nearly every household boasting at least one tree.

“Avocados were plentiful, affordable and almost taken for granted,” recalls Samson Nyamweya, a resident of Kisii town.

“They accompanied vegetables, enriched githeri and other meals, but their presence is fast disappearing—replaced by rising prices and empty stalls.”

That shift has been gradual but unsettling. Once abundant on farms and roadside stands, avocados are now increasingly scarce.

“An avocado that sold for Sh10 now goes for Sh50, and even then, it’s hard to find,” Nyamweya says.

Traders point to bigger changes in the supply chain, saying small vendors are being edged out.

“It is becoming difficult to source produce from farms. Production has declined, and many growers now prefer selling to bulk buyers from major towns,” says Alice Kemunto, a fruit trader.

Vendors like Fransisca Kemunto say they cannot compete with well-funded buyers.

“These buyers go directly to farms with vehicles and cash,” she explains. “As a result, much of the harvest never reaches local markets.”

Instead, the produce is transported to cities such as Nairobi, where demand—and prices—are higher.

For consumers like Evans Nyakundi, the shortage has hit hard.

“Avocados made meals like githeri tastier and more filling. Now we have to spend more, yet they are not even available,” he says.

Unpredictable weather patterns have also affected yields, compounding the problem. With urban demand offering better returns, farmers are increasingly selling in bulk, transforming what was once a household staple into a commercial crop.

The Gusii region has long been known for its traditional avocado varieties. In recent years, Kisii and Nyamira counties have promoted high-yielding types such as Hass to boost production and tap into export markets.

However, uptake has remained low due to the cost of seedlings, which range between Sh100 and Sh200.

Efforts to add value have also struggled. A 2014 initiative in Kisii to process avocados for export showed early promise, with the first consignment flagged off by then-governor James Ongwae. But the project failed to gain traction, and the investor eventually withdrew.

Residents now want county governments to step in.

“Authorities should support farmers to increase production so that supply can meet demand,” says Samson Nyang’au.

By Ruth Mbula

https://farmerstrend.co.ke/trending/avocado-prices-soar-in-gusii-kenya/https://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Avocado-Prices-Soar-in-Gusii-Kenya-as-Traditional-Staple-Becomes-Luxury-for-Local-Families-1024x768.jpghttps://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Avocado-Prices-Soar-in-Gusii-Kenya-as-Traditional-Staple-Becomes-Luxury-for-Local-Families-150x150.jpg2026-05-05T17:37:43+00:00FarmersTrend# TrendingAvocado prices soar in Gusii Kenya from Sh10 to Sh50 as bulk buyers export fruit to Nairobi, leaving local markets empty. Farmers now prefer selling to cities.For years, avocados were a staple on dining tables across Kisii and Nyamira counties, from rural villages to urban centres.The fruit, available in...FarmersTrendjohn doefarmerstrend@gmail.comAdministratorFarmers Trend Ltd.