Control Union Kenya honoured for excellence, vows to strengthen certification

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Control Union Kenya Managing Director, James Mureithi during the Avocado Industry Excellence Awards Dinner/HANDOUT

Control Union Kenya has once again cemented its position as a leader in agricultural certification, winning the prestigious accolade of Best Certification Body in Kenya for the fifth consecutive year at the 2025 Kenya Avocado Excellence Awards (KAEA).

The recognition underscored the company’s commitment to delivering trustworthy, independent, and reliable certification services for Kenya’s thriving avocado industry and the wider African agricultural sector.

Receiving the award, James Mureithi, Managing Director of Control Union Kenya, described the honour as a testament not only to the organisation’s work but also to the growth and dynamism of the agriculture industry across the continent.

“Our inspection team is on the ground at the Port of Mombasa, overseeing the offloading and handling of rice cargo from vessel to warehouse. From verifying documentation to monitoring handling practices, every step is guided by Control Union’s commitment to quality, integrity, and traceability,” Mureithi said.

He added that the award validates the company’s role in ensuring that every shipment meets international standards, safeguarding the trust that underpins global trade.

The KAEA awards ceremony, held at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi, brought together key stakeholders across the avocado value chain, including growers, exporters, researchers, policymakers, and agribusiness players.

The gala dinner celebrated innovation, quality, and excellence, recognising individuals and organisations that have transformed the industry through their contributions in marketing, research and development, innovation, production, and value addition.

Organisers of KAEA emphasised that the awards aim to inspire exceptional performance across the value chain by showcasing players who set new benchmarks in efficiency, quality, and sustainability.

Since its inaugural edition in 2019, KAEA has grown into a strategic initiative of the Avocado Society of Kenya, supported by multiple anchor stakeholders, and has become a key platform for promoting best practices and highlighting the leaders shaping the future of Kenya’s avocado industry.

Mureithi highlighted the meticulous work undertaken by Control Union Kenya, stating that their inspection team ensures compliance at every stage — from sampling and verification to supervision and reporting.

“Through our inspection services, we help maintain transparency, consistency, and trust across the supply chain,” he said.

With a presence in over 80 countries and expertise spanning certifications, inspections, laboratory services, pest control, and risk management, Control Union Kenya provides peace of mind to both domestic and international trade partners.

Certificates issued by the company are accepted by major markets worldwide, covering over 200 certification programs.

As Control Union Kenya looks ahead, the firm has pledged to continue maintaining the trust and confidence of its customers and stakeholders, strengthening certification standards and supporting the growth of Kenya’s agricultural exports.