Kenyans reject Uhuru’s avocado, baby carrots deal with Mauritius
The news that Mauritius had lifted a ban on Kenyan avocados has not been well received by the Kenyan online community.
Kenyans online have lamented that they are already grappling with a decrease in production of their “dear avocados” and did not want a trade deal involving the produce.
The government of Mauritius lifted a ban on several Kenyan farm produce, including avocados, baby carrots, baby beans and broccoli.
The decision was is part of a trade deal made during bilateral talks between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his host Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.
President Kenyatta said the lifting of the ban will help improve Kenya’s export and will greatly boost horticultural farmers in the country, especially women who are the majority in the sector.
At the same time, China on Sunday completed an inspection tour by two experts from the Chinese National Plant Protection Organisation who were hosted by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) for eight days as a prerequisite given by the country before it opens its market for Kenyan avocados.
ONLINE UPROAR
But online Kenyans were not happy about the recent deal with Mauritius citing shortages of the prized fruit.
“Why export when local demand and supply is still wanting?” Sarati A. Richard wondered.
“Ile drought iko huku jamani badala zipelekwe huko Kwanza…. We don’t have an oversupply of the produce in discussion,” Migwi Sam lamented.
“DP told us guys to diversify tukasema maize maize… sasa ona,” Cherotich Carren Kiki wrote.
“This ovacado thing kumbe was true! Maize farmers kwisha,” Buluma Godwin commented.
“Ati avocado? Mkipeleka wapi? Msijaribu,” Kenneth Makau warned.
“We don’t even have enough avocadoes in Kenya to feed the demand in the country,” Wachira Jackson commented.