Kisii Avocado Farmers Cry Out for Help as Mysterious Disease Strikes

In Summary

• Hass avocado farmers in Kisii face heavy losses from an unknown disease.
• Over 20,000 seedlings planted in Bomachoge Borabu and Bomachoge Chache affected.
• Seedlings were donated two months ago by the Esther Okenyuri Nyaituga Foundation.
• Farmers are appealing for urgent government action to curb the outbreak.
• Kisii contributes 20% of Kenya’s avocado exports, now at risk.
• County government and researchers mobilizing to identify and contain the disease.

Hass avocado farmers in Kisii County are raising the alarm after a mysterious disease began ravaging their young trees, putting their livelihoods and the county’s booming avocado industry at risk.

The disease has been reported mainly in Bomachoge Borabu and Bomachoge Chache, where farmers recently planted more than 20,000 Hass seedlings donated by the Esther Okenyuri Nyaituga Foundation. The seedlings were distributed just two months ago in a program meant to boost avocado farming and expand Kisii’s export market, which already contributes nearly 29,000 Tonnes annually.

But the dream is quickly turning into despair.

“We invested time and resources into these trees, hoping for a better future. Now, this disease is destroying our hopes,” said Jane Nyaboke, a farmer from Bomachoge Borabu.

Another grower, Peter Omwenga, described the symptoms: wilting leaves, blackened fruits, and stunted growth. “We need experts to tell us what’s wrong and how to stop it,” he pleaded.

Preliminary observations suggest the outbreak could be linked to fungal infections or root rot, often triggered by poor drainage or prolonged humidity, conditions common in Kisii, which receives 1,000–1,500 mm of rainfall annually.

Kisii County Agriculture Executive Elijah Obwori confirmed the crisis and said officers are being dispatched to assess farms. “We are working with KALRO (Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization) to diagnose the problem and advise farmers on immediate steps,” he said, urging farmers to report affected plots quickly.

The Esther Okenyuri Nyaituga Foundation, which spearheaded the seedling distribution, said it was equally concerned. “Our goal was to empower farmers economically. We are engaging the county and national government to ensure a rapid response,” a spokesperson said.

Kisii’s avocado industry has grown rapidly in recent years, with more than 300,000 Hass seedlings distributed by the county and partnerships formed with processors like Avofresh Oil Factory. Farmers depend on the crop for survival, a single Hass tree can fetch KSh 8,000–9,000 annually.

Experts warn that without urgent action, those incomes could vanish. Dr. Mary Kioko, a plant pathologist at KALRO, said farmers should improve drainage, avoid overwatering, and isolate affected plants while tests are carried out. “We need samples immediately to confirm the cause, but early action is critical to prevent wider spread,” she said.

The Ministry of Agriculture is expected to issue a statement by August 25, 2025, outlining interventions, which may include fungicides or distributing disease-resistant seedlings. Meanwhile, KALRO is preparing to deploy mobile testing units to Kisii this week.

The crisis highlights the risks of monoculture farming in the face of climate pressures and crop diseases. Stakeholders are now calling for long-term solutions such as crop diversification and better farmer training on disease management.