Vertical Agro Group’s packhouse on the outskirts of Naivasha sits inside an export processing zone that moves fresh produce to the Chinese‑built Naivasha Inland Container Depot for rail transport to Mombasa.

From the dry port, Standard Gauge Railway wagons travel nearly 600 km to the port of Mombasa, where avocados and other vegetables are loaded for overseas shipment.

China’s zero‑tariff policy for 53 African countries, which took effect on 1 May, removed duties on Kenyan avocados, enabling Sunripe – part of Vertical Agro Group – to ship the fruit to China for the first time in August 2022.

Scale of trade and logistics capacity

Kenya is the third‑largest avocado supplier to China after Peru and Chile, earning $175 million from avocado exports in 2025, of which $6.6 million went to China.

Official data show that between May and August 2026 China imported 3,762,776 kg of Kenyan avocados worth about $6.1 million, a 63.22 % rise in value from the same period in 2025.

The Naivasha dry port covers 45,000 m² and can handle up to 2 million tonnes of cargo annually, also serving land‑locked neighbours such as Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC.

Benefits for growers and investors

The rail and dry‑port network reduces transit time, freight costs, emissions and the risk of produce damage, according to Vertical Agro Group’s chief executive.

Kenya Railways’ managing director says the infrastructure has attracted agro‑processing investors to set up export‑processing zones, boosting export competitiveness and regional integration.

State Department for Agriculture officials note that other high‑value products such as flowers and macadamia nuts could also benefit from the zero‑tariff arrangement.

Future rail extensions and market prospects

Plans to extend the SGR from Naivasha to Kisumu and onward to the Malaba border aim to open further regional markets for Kenyan horticulture firms.

China’s ambassador to Kenya said the Belt and Road rail project has unlocked growth in Kenya’s rural hinterland and expanded Chinese demand for Kenyan avocados and other African produce.