Household Dig Deeper into their Pockets as Tomatoes Hit an All-Time High

Tomato prices have hit an all-time high of 6,200 shillings for a 64-kilogram bag in three months forcing most households to dig deeper into their pockets.

The increase in prices has been attributed to the decrease in the supply of the commodity preceded by prolonged droughts.

Nairobi and Kitale residents have had to buy the tomatoes at 5,000 shillings respectively, 4,000 shillings in Kisumu and Busia respectively, 3,800 shillings in Mombasa, 2,560 shillings in Embu and 2,500 shillings in Nakuru.

A 142-kilogram bag of Spring onions, on the other hand, is being sold as follows: 3,800 shillings in Busia, 3,600 shillings in Kitale and Mombasa respectively, 2,940 shillings in Embu, 2,500 shillings in Nairobi and Kisumu respectively, 1,400 shillings in Eldoret and 1,000 shillings in Nakuru.

On the fruits markets, mangoes have continued to flood the market with a 126-kilogram bag retailing at 490 shillings in Embu while the same quantity being sold at 3,000 shillings in Nakuru.

A 90-kilogram bag of Avocado, on the other hand, is being sold with the following market prices: 3,500 shillings in Mombasa and Isiolo respectively, 3,400 shillings in Eldoret, 2,200 shillings in Nairobi, Nakuru and Embu respectively, 1,800 shillings in Kisumu and 1,600 shillings in Kitale.

The table below gives a summary for other commodities in the market.