The Prices Of Tomatoes And Sukuma Wiki Across Major Towns

By Getrude Mathayo / Published October 30, 2020 | 2:11 pm

Tomato prices have been on a downward trend for the last two months as Kenya experiences a dry spell, which usually follows the March-May long rains season.

A 64-kilogram crate of tomatoes is currently retailing at 2,068 shillings in various markets in Nairobi, down from 5,551 shillings in June. It is the first time since the beginning of the year that the cost of the essential commodity has dropped to such a level.

In Kisumu, a 64-kilogram crate of tomatoes is going for 3,160 shillings. This is 1,197 shillings lower than it was selling in June. Things are, however different in Mombasa, where prices of the item are higher than in any part of the country. A 64 kilogram of tomatoes is retailing at 5,551 shillings down from 6,204 shillings in June.

But this is not usually with the coastal region. The tourist tow usually experiences higher fresh produce than in any part of the Eastern region since the region mainly relies on food imports.

Tomato prices are lowest in Eastern and Western parts of the country, where the 64 kilograms is going at 1,306 shillings.

The huge drop in wholesale costs is reflected in retail prices of the commodity in groceries across the capital, where three tomatoes are retailing at 12 shillings down from 25 shillings in June.

Other fresh produce, whose prices have dropped but not significantly include dry onions and Sukumawiki (kales)

A 50 kilogram of kales are going for an average of 1,742 shillings in Nairobi, down from 1,959 shillings. Prices of the Commodity rise in Kisumu, where the 50-kilogram bag is retailing at 3’156, and in Mombasa, it is retailing at 2,178 shillings.

Prices of the commodities, in particular tomatoes, are expected to rise sharply as soon as the rains season starts next month.

If you have commodities that you are selling and you want us to write about it, especially cereals, please let us know in the comments section and we shall contact you.