AKCO Leading Kiambu’s Agripreneurship Revolution with 54,000 Avocado Seedlings and Guaranteed Export Markets
Ashidi Kiambu County Organisation (AKCO) continues to rise as one of the most influential community-driven agricultural organisations in Kenya. In a recent feature interview on MUCII TV, President Sir David Ngugi shed light on the organisation’s ambitious agripreneurship programs — particularly the expansion of avocado farming across Kiambu County, with a special focus on Gatundu North.
The highlight of the interview was AKCO’s bold plan to produce and distribute over 54,000 high-quality avocado seedlings to farmers — a transformative project designed to equip households with sustainable income streams and position Kiambu as a major contributor to Kenya’s export markets.
Affordable Seedlings and a Guaranteed Market: A Complete Agribusiness Solution
One of AKCO’s key strengths is its full-cycle agribusiness support model. Unlike most seedling suppliers, AKCO provides not only planting materials but also training, farm supervision, crop maintenance, and market linkage.
Seedling Pricing: Designed to Empower the Community
- Non-members: Ksh 100 per seedling
- AKCO members: Only Ksh 60 per seedling
This subsidized price is part of AKCO’s mission to ensure every farmer—including youth, low-income families, and smallholder farmers—can access high-value crops that generate long-term income.
Farm Management Support
Once a member plants the avocado seedlings, AKCO offers ongoing maintenance, which includes:
- Professional spraying schedules
- Disease and pest monitoring
- Regular assessment of tree health
- Guidance on fertilization, pruning, and soil nutrition
This ensures even first-time farmers can achieve maximum yields while avoiding common mistakes that reduce productivity.
Guaranteed Market in Dubai and Other Major Export Destinations
Perhaps the most groundbreaking element of AKCO’s program is its direct export market access. Sir David Ngugi confirmed that AKCO has established buyers in:
- Dubai
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Other major international fruit markets
His long-term vision is clear:
“Our aim is to sell avocados to international markets in tonnes, ensuring maximum profits for our farmers.”
With global demand for Kenyan avocados soaring, AKCO is helping farmers transition from subsistence farming to commercial agripreneurship.
Addressing the Real Challenges in Avocado Farming
During the interview, Sir David openly addressed some of the major issues affecting avocado farming in Kenya:
1. Fungal infections
These are common but manageable with proper spraying and hygiene practices. AKCO’s maintenance program is designed to prevent and treat such infections before they spread.
2. Mixing avocado with tea plantations
Many farmers grow tea and avocado trees together. However, tea chemicals can drift and damage avocado trees, reducing productivity. Sir David emphasized that:
“Most of the challenges come from the farmer’s practices, not the plant. With proper guidance, avocado farming is highly successful.”
His message was clear—with training and supervision, these challenges can be eliminated.
A Leader Rooted in the Community
Sir David Ngugi proudly shared his background, noting that he was born in Gatundu North, a region with exceptionally fertile land suitable for high-value agriculture.
He attributes his passion for agripreneurship to growing up in a community where farming is a way of life. AKCO’s avocado program is part of his commitment to uplift the region, promote food security, and create reliable income opportunities.
Avocado Farming Is Just the Beginning: 16 Projects Under AKCO
Avocado farming is only one of 16 development projects launched by AKCO. The organisation has a broader mission to:
- Engage youth in productive work
- Reduce unemployment
- Strengthen community self-reliance
- Promote agribusiness as a modern career pathway
Other projects span areas such as entrepreneurship, livestock farming, community training, and empowerment initiatives.
Appreciation to Media Partners
Sir David Ngugi extended special gratitude to the media platforms that have amplified AKCO’s work, including:
- MUCII TV, which hosted the interview
- Knickpoint Media, a blogging, reporting, and news platform that continues to support AKCO’s visibility
Their collaborative efforts ensure farmers across Kenya receive accurate information, inspiration, and opportunities to grow.
A Glimpse into the Seedling Farm: Video Coverage Available
The interview also featured a video shot directly inside AKCO’s avocado seedling farm, showing the scale, professionalism, and passion behind the project. This visual documentation reassures farmers of AKCO’s capacity and transparency in seedling production.
Conclusion
AKCO is not simply distributing seedlings — it is building a sustainable agricultural economy for Kiambu and setting a national example in agripreneurship.
Through affordable seedlings, guaranteed markets, youth engagement, and a comprehensive support system, AKCO is ensuring that avocado farming becomes a life-changing opportunity for thousands of families.
With leaders like Sir David Ngugi and collaboration from media partners, the future of agribusiness in Kiambu County has never looked more promising.
