Nakuru County has taken a bold step towards transforming its agricultural sector with the large-scale avocado seedling distribution initiative that reached a milestone this week. A total of 32,285 avocado seedlings were distributed on Friday to 4,000 farmers and public schools across 37 wards, pushing the week’s total distribution to over 50,000 seedlings.
This strategic intervention is part of a broader agricultural empowerment agenda under the leadership of H.E. Governor Susan Kihika, who has prioritized value chain development, food security, and sustainable income generation for households in the county.
The Avocado Seedling Distribution in Nakuru County is more than a tree-planting exercise. It’s an investment in the future of the region’s agricultural economy. By empowering thousands of smallholder farmers and public institutions to plant high-quality avocado seedlings, the county is positioning itself as a key player in Kenya’s expanding avocado export market.
Farmers who received the seedlings were also taken through a practical training session on best practices in planting, nurturing, and managing avocado trees for optimal yield. Extension officers and agricultural experts were deployed to guide farmers on spacing, pest management, and post-harvest handling — ensuring that the seedlings grow into productive trees capable of generating sustainable income.
The program is anchored in Governor Kihika’s vision of transforming Nakuru into a food-secure and economically empowered county. By introducing long-term, income-generating crops like avocado, the county government is not only promoting sustainable farming but also helping households diversify their sources of income.
“Avocado farming is not just about food security — it’s about wealth creation. In a few years, these trees will be a source of steady income for thousands of families,” said a County Agriculture Officer overseeing the distribution in Kuresoi South.
The global demand for avocados continues to rise, especially in Europe and the Middle East. By establishing Nakuru as an avocado-growing region, the county is laying the foundation for agribusiness opportunities, including value addition, packaging, and export.
In addition to individual farmers, several public schools benefited from the avocado seedling distribution. This initiative promotes environmental conservation, while also serving as a practical learning tool for students.
Schools are encouraged to integrate the avocado trees into their agriculture programs, creating school-based demonstration plots that teach students about modern farming practices, tree care, and the importance of sustainable agriculture.
This move supports the County Government’s goal of nurturing a new generation of agri-preneurs while also greening school environments.
With over 50,000 avocado seedlings distributed this week alone, Nakuru County is making a significant environmental and economic impact. The long-term benefits include: enhanced household nutrition, stable income sources for farmers, Increased tree cover and climate resilience and boost agricultural exports.
The County Government has also committed to monitoring the progress of the seedlings and offering continued technical support to farmers throughout the growth cycle. Additionally, farmers will be linked to local and international markets through cooperatives and organized value chains.
Agriculture remains a central pillar in Governor Susan Kihika’s development agenda. Her administration is focused on equipping farmers with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed — from seedling provision to market access.
This is just one of many programs aimed at empowering Nakuru County’s farming communities. Upcoming plans include similar distributions for macadamia, coffee, and pyrethrum, all aimed at transforming the rural economy and reinforcing Nakuru’s position as a leader in agricultural productivity.
