Recent Heavy Rains Cause for Increased Tomato Prices

Tomato prices in major towns are rising with Mombasa, Embu, and Kitale paying the highest prices for this commodity, which is one of the most popular agriculture produce.

While Mombasa is paying 2,400 shillings for a 126-kilogram bag of tomatoes, the produce is sold at 2,145 shillings in Embu and 1,800 shillings in Kitale respectively.

The high market prices have been attributed to the recent heavy rainfall that was experienced in most parts of the country, which was not conducive for tomato farming thus leading to low supplies in major producing areas.

A 142-kilogram bag of spring onions, on the other hand, has the following market prices in selected towns across the country: 3,550 shillings in Embu, 3,500 shillings in Mombasa, 3,000 shillings in Kitale, 2,500 shillings in Nairobi, 2,000shillings in Kisumu, 1,200 shillings in Eldoret and 1,000 shillings in Nakuru.

The table below gives a summary of market prices for different other commodities that are available in the market:

A 98-kilogram bag of Sweet Potatoes is retailing at a market price of 3,500 shillings in Nakuru, which is the highest compared to other towns while Kitale had the lowest market price for the same quantity, at 1,800 shillings.

White Irish Potatoes is being sold as follows: 2,800 shillings in Kitale, 2,300 shillings in Mombasa, 2,200 shillings in Kakamega, 2,000 shillings in Nairobi and Nakuru respectively, 1,800 shillings in Eldoret and Embu respectively and 1,300 shillings in Kisumu.

Here is a summary of the same: