Tomato Prices Drop By 70 Percent Across The Country

Tomato prices in most parts of the country have dropped by more than 70 percent as a result of oversupply in the market. The drop in prices came as a reprieve to the majority of Kenyans after days of higher prices.

In almost three months, prices of tomatoes had shot up with one tomato that used to go for 5 shillings going for between 15 and 25 shillings in most parts, especially Nairobi.

A crate of tomatoes which was retailing at around 6,000 shillings had increased to between 10,000 and 12,000 shillings. The price has since come down with some parts as Eldoret a crate going for as low as 3,000 shillings.

The price of 1 kilogram of tomatoes is now retailing between 60 to 80 shillings. In most parts of the country, one tomato is now going for 5 to 10 shillings depending on the size.

The increase in prices had been blamed on the shortage that had been caused by the heavy rain that had hit most parts of Kenya, destroying crops in most farms. Farmers in Laikipia, Nyeri, and Mount Elgon are currently harvesting their tomatoes leading to the flooding of the markets.

At the same time, the price of onions has increased tremendously. An onion is retailing between 10 and 20 shillings from the normal average of 5 shillings. Retailers have blamed the increase in prices on the shortage of the same following a stalemate between Kenya and Tanzania. Most onions in Kenya come from Tanzania.

Written By Getrude Matayo