Kenyans To Pay More For A Plate Of Ugali As Prices Rise

By Juma / Published July 21, 2021 | 8:18 am

KEY POINTS

A two-kilo packet of Jogoo is now retailing at 110 shillings from 90 shillings, Soko is selling at 105 shillings from 87 shillings, Ajab at 115 shillings from 90 shillings, Pembe is trading at 106 shillings from 90 shillings.

The price of maize flour has increased. Kenyans will, therefore, have to dig deeper into their already-tattered pockets for a plate of ugali. Millers have attributed the recent sharp rise in the shortage of maize over “safety concerns.”

The price of a two-kilogram of maize flour has increased between 15 and 25 shillings. On Tuesday, most supermarkets had already adjusted the prices to reflect the new rise. This is likely to lead to an increase in the inflation rate.

“The price of maize has been taking an upward trend with supplies dwindling. The price is now between 2,700 shillings and 2,800 shillings,” said Rajan Shah, Capwell Industries chief executive.

The increase in maize flour prices will have a direct impact on the inflation that has been rising in the past months. Food inflation stood at 8.5 percent last month, the highest since May 2020, while fuel inflation was at 13.5 percent.

The increase in the prices of the flour goes against what the government has promised to make the prices affordable to cushion Kenyans against the rising cost of living. Kenyans are already paying more for basic commodities.

Maize prices have been rising across the country. In Bungoma, a 90-kilogram back of maize is retailing at 2,900 shillings from 2,600 just a month ago. In Kitale, the price for a 90-kilogram back is at 2,700 shillings from 2,500 shillings.

In Kakamega, the price of the same bag is retailing between 3,000 and 3,400 shillings, the highest this year. Kisumu and Eldoret have prices at 2,700 shillings. With rains having failed, Kenyans have a dark future when it comes to ugali.

About Juma

Juma is an enthusiastic journalist who believes that journalism has power to change the world either negatively or positively depending on how one uses it.(020) 528 0222 or Email: info@sokodirectory.com

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