Tomatoes Become a Luxury as Drought Continues to Bite

Kenyans across the country a feeling the heat of the ongoing drought deep within their pockets as prices of basic commodities especially groceries continue to skyrocket.

A quick check across the major towns reveal that the prices of tomatoes have been hiked as a result of the dwindling supply of the same on the markets.

A 64-kilogram crate of tomatoes is going for 4500 shillings in Nairobi, 5000 shillings in Kisumu, 4000 shillings in Nakuru, 6000 shillings in Eldoret and 6100 shillings in Kitale.

A kilogram of the same commodity across major supermarkets in the country is retailing at 90 shillings in Nairobi, 95 shillings in Kisumu, 70 shillings in Nakuru, 110 shillings in Eldoret and 125 shillings in Kitale.

The surge in prices of tomatoes has been attributed to the ongoing drought in most parts of the country that has affected many farmers who engaged in the production of the same.

Other commonly used foodstuffs like maize flour have had their prices move through the window for many Kenyan households who depend on maize flour as stable food. 2 kilograms of flour are retailing at an average of 120 shillings across the country from an average of 90 shillings last month.

The price of rice, commonly known as sindano has come down to 85 shillings per kilogram from the initial 110 shillings with that of pishori increasing to 145 shillings from 130 shillings last month.

The increase in food prices is likely to increase the inflation for the month of January from that recorded in the month of December 2016.

Statistics from the government show that more than 1.4 million Kenyans are facing starvation and that the number is likely to hit 2 million by the end of this month (January) with the government assuring the affected areas that everything is under control and that no Kenyan will die of hunger.