Kenyan plant health regulatory agency has kicked off talks with counterparts in Malaysia to secure a broader international market footprint.

Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) said it has been working hard to secure export market access for local avocado growers beyond the traditional European markets.

Theophilus Mutui, Kephis Managing director said an audit team from Malaysia’s National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) concluded pest-risk and field assessments at the integrated agro-business firm Kakuzi, in Murang’a County as part of the bilateral engagements.

He said local avocado growers and exporters may soon enjoy further market diversification opportunities in Malaysia as part of ongoing trade facilitation efforts by Kephis.

“Following the success of our venture to China, we are now engaging NPPO from Malaysia, who have undertaken field audits at Kakuzi. Our growers may commence avocado exports to Malaysia early next year if all goes well,” Mutui said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

Kakuzi is a listed Kenyan agricultural company trading on both the Nairobi Securities Exchange and London Stock Exchange and engaging in the cultivation, processing and marketing of avocados, blueberries, macadamia, tea, livestock and commercial forestry.