The prices of sugar have witnessed a continuous rise in Kenya with a kilo going for up to 135 shillings and 250 shillings for a 2Kg packet as witnessed in Nairobi. In some parts of Nairobi, however, residents buy a kilogram at 150 shillings in retail shops.
This price check is based on research done by Soko Directory at various wholesale and retail outlets including major supermarkets such as Quickmart and Naivas.
In other parts of the country such as Kisumu County, the prices have shot as high as 150 shillings for a kilogram of sugar and 270 shillings for a 2Kg packet.
Already, some sugar brands in supermarkets such as the Neutrameal are now selling at 295 shillings for a two-kilogram packet.
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On 0nline selling platforms such as Jumia and Copia, the prices are slightly low with a Kilogram selling at 125 shillings and 246 shillings for a 2Kg packet.
The now scarce commodity has become a luxury to the many Kenyans who are broke and trying to make ends meet.
Even the small “Skari ya Kupima” that many sometimes prefer when the other side is unbearable is no longer the line of last defense. The quantity has reduced with increased prices as well.
In November 2021, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya increased producers’ price of sugar cane from 3,833 shillings per ton to 4,112 shillings. As expected, the millers passed this cost to consumers who are already struggling to cope with the cost of other essential commodities.
This was the second time that the government was reviewing the price of sugar cane, to boost the farmers.
The Crops (Sugar) (General) Regulations, 2020 provide for a scale pricing committee responsible for developing the pricing formula and reviewing them based on the cost of the commodity on shelves.
The rising cost of sugar and other commodities has harmed inflation as the food basket is a major driver of the cost of living.
The inflation rate for December 2021 has been projected to range between 5.7 and 6.1 percent.