Why prices of farm produce continue to soar despite heavy rains in Nakuru
Traders display farm produce at Wakulima market on May 1, 2024.
Nakuru residents may now have to dig a little deeper into their pockets, following the hiked prices of some market produce.
This is contrary to the expectations that during the rainy season, the prices of produce are expected to be lower as there is excess in the market.
Various traders blame the price hike on the heavy rainfall that has made it difficult for them and suppliers to access the farms due to bad roads.
Samuel Kamau, a maize trader at Nakuru’s Wakulima market, notes that the price of green maize has shot up due to its unavailability and the slippery roads that lead to the farms, compounded by the challenge faced by tractors to navigate through the muddy terrain.
This has seen the price of a sack of green maize go for about Sh 60,000 to 70,000 which at retail translates to Sh 17 per cob.
He adds that due to the rains, he’s been forced to double his manpower to make the work go faster. Before the rains, maize retailed at Sh 15 and at farm gate was Sh 50,000 which he notes is what they’ll be selling at when the rains subside.
Jessica Gesare, a tomato trader at Wakulima market displays tomatoes in her stall on May 1, 2024.
Mama Gidi, a tomato trader, also laments how the prices have doubled per crate and with the excess rains it hinders the fruits ripening thus they rot.
A crate now goes between Sh 4,000 and Sh 4,500 whereas before the rains it went between Sh 2,000 and 2,500. The retail price has moved up to Sh 100 a kg as opposed to Sh 70.
Prices of potatoes on the other hand have fallen but there is a catch.
According to the Nakuru Chairman Wakulima market, Jared Kilonzo, while the price of potatoes has dropped this will exacerbate an imminent loss to the tubers in a month’s time due to glut.
Potato traders display their produce at Wakulima market on May 1, 2024.
Currently, the cost of a 70 kg bag ranges between Sh 4,300 and Sh 4,500 as opposed to Sh 5,500 before the rains. This then retails at Sh 800 in contrast with Sh 1,000.
Kilonzo notes that the price hike and scarcity of produce, such as oranges and onions, will persist as long as heavy rains continue, attributed to poor access roads.
Additionally, for tuber plants, the rains have made it difficult to dig them up.