Murang’a Farmers Call for Strict Laws Against Avocado Theft

MURANG’A – Local avocado growers in Murang’a are voicing their frustrations over rampant thefts that are severely impacting their livelihoods, alongside their opposition to a new levy imposed at the point of sale.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Chairperson of the Avocado Growers and Sellers’ Association, the theft of avocados has become a significant issue, prompting a call for legislative action to impose harsher penalties on those caught stealing the produce. Currently, offenders are often charged with petty theft, resulting in minimal fines that fail to act as a deterrent. The association believes that stronger legal measures are necessary to safeguard the farmers’ interests and ensure the sustainability of avocado cultivation in the region.

Mukuria advocated for the introduction of traceability systems that would require a detailed account of each fruit’s origin, significantly reducing the chances of stolen produce entering the market. He also highlighted the detrimental role of middlemen in the industry, suggesting that eliminating such intermediaries could lead to more direct and profitable transactions for farmers.

Furthermore, the farmers are appealing to the County government for enhanced support, particularly in providing agricultural extension services to promote best practices and improve yield quality and profitability.

The proposed legislation by the County Assembly of Murang’a aims to address these concerns comprehensively. If enacted, the law would impose penalties of up to Sh. 500,000 or three years’ imprisonment for avocado theft. Additionally, it would enforce quality standards by penalizing premature harvesting, establishing a framework to improve overall industry standards through traceability, and ensuring proper handling and marketing of avocados.

This legislative effort underscores the region’s commitment to protecting its agriculture sector from the risks and challenges that have previously undermined other crops like coffee, aiming to secure a prosperous future for avocado farming in Murang’a.