Onions Still A Luxury As Shortages Bit And Prices Spike

Prices of onions are still high in Nairobi and other parts of the country despite Kenya and Tanzania resolving their economic stalemate concerning trucks from Tanzania.

The prices of onions had spiked by more than 100 percent in most parts when Kenya insisted on Tanzanian truck drivers to be tested of Covid-19 before being allowed into the country.

Most bulb onions in Kenya come from Tanzania. The stalemate affected the flow. When it was resolved, it was expected that the prices would come down, but no, they are still high.

A kilogram of onions in Nairobi is still retailing between 120 and 150 shillings in most parts from between 80 and 90 shillings. A single onion is such markets as Muthurwa, Mlango Kubwa, and Gikombaa are retailing between 20 and 30 shillings apart from small ones.

The price of onions in Nairobi is still highest in Eastleigh. The area is slowly emerging out of cessation of movement order and sellers of the commodity are yet to fully return.

A single sizeable onion in Eastleigh is going up to 50 shillings but residents are hopeful that the prices will normalize in the coming weeks.

Prices of the same commodity are also high in Nyeri, Kiambu, Naivasha, Nakuru, and parts of Eldoret. Those in Kitale have a reprieve because most of the onions in the region come from Mt. Elgon.

Residents of Bungoma and Kakamega also have a sigh of relief in their pockets as the majority of their supply comes from Mt. Elgon.

President John Pombe Magufuli ordered farmers in Tanzania to sell their produce at higher prices to those countries that imposed a lockdown or movement restrictions as a result of Covid-19.

During the end of last week, Magufuli declared Tanzania Covid-19-free, saying prayers had worked despite the fact that the majority of truck drivers who are testing positive of Covid-19 in Kenya are from Tanzania.

READ: Price Of Onions Up By 90% Following Covid-19 War Between Kenya And Tanzania