Am an exporter of Avocado. Kenya has stopped harvest and export of Kenyan Avocado. Below is a thread of how Govt institutions contribute to a bad economy, business downfall and poverty. And its agnst Govt mandate to facilitate Trade @WilliamsRuto @rigathi @HonMoses_Kuria
We imported Avocado from Tanzania, for reexport. We do that when our season is closed. All docs are in order. Every regulatory requirement by HCD(Horticulture Crop Directorate) followed. Processed the fruits at our Packhouse and requested HCD to come, inspect and clear for export
Request for inspection was made on Saturday, HCD came in today. 25,000 Kgs of Avocados were inspected, analyzed and cleared for export. Our request was to be cleared for export Bysea through @Maersk which costs around $9,000 all in from our Packhouse to Destination
The HCD clearance given indicated that the our shipment Must be done by air. Air Freight charges for Fresh Avocado is $2.5/Kg - Total $62,500. That’s $53,500 more than shipping by sea with @Maersk @HonMoses_Kuria @rigathi @WilliamsRuto 
The Air Freight amount is unaffordable and prohibitive. I have 25tons of Avocado in our Coldroom, which ideally should be in a container in Mombasa waiting to be loaded in a @Maersk Vessel depart on 23rd Dec. Buuut, am incurring cost of electricity and risk of damage of the fruit
The institution is adamant that our fruits must be exported by air, even after talking to Director of HCD who disconnected my call when I insisted on a solution. We stand to lose millions of KES because we can not afford the air freight cost @HonMoses_Kuria @rigathi @WilliamsRuto
This policy doesn't make any sense to me. Sure, air shipping is faster, but my avocados are perfectly capable of surviving the longer journey by sea. And if they have been cleared, why dictate on the mode of freight?? @HonMoses_Kuria @rigathi
And the cost difference is huge - $53,500 (KES 6,687,500) is a significant chunk of change for a small company like mine @HonMoses_Kuria @rigathi
It's frustrating to feel like I have no control over such an important aspect of my business. I hope that by bringing attention to this issue, we can find a solution that works for everyone and hopefully prevent my business from going under @HonMoses_Kuria
The more tunahustle, the more vikwazo zinakam. Manze haimake sense. Please assist @HonMoses_Kuria @rigathi @WilliamsRuto
Situation Update: Issue has been resolved. Thank you to all who helped. Your support and efforts made a huge difference. Tuchape Kazi sasa @WilliamsRuto @rigathi @HonMoses_Kuria @RobertAlai #grateful
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