The weakening of the Kenyan shilling has led to an increase in fruit prices along the Kenya-Uganda border. The fluctuating supply of fruits from Uganda has also played a role in the rising costs. Various fruits, including watermelon, bananas, pawpaws, and pineapples, have seen price hikes.
For instance, a bunch of bananas, priced at Sh120 three months ago, has increased by Sh30. Similarly, a single piece of pineapple has gone up by Sh20, now ranging from Sh100 to Sh120. Watermelon and pawpaw prices at the border have seen reported increases of Sh40 and Sh20, respectively.
Oranges, however, remain an exception, with their prices remaining stable due to a consistent supply from Uganda. Oranges imported from Teso districts, including Soroti, Kumi, Bukedea, Serere, Amuria, and Katakwi, have not experienced price changes.
The sources of these fruits are varied, with watermelons, bananas, and pawpaws imported from Mbale, Sironko, Bududa, and Budadiri. The depreciation of the Kenyan shilling against the Ugandan shilling has contributed to the increased costs of acquiring products from Uganda, impacting the fruit trade at the East African Community border.
In towns like Malaba and Busia, the exchange rate is currently Sh24 for one Kenyan shilling against the Ugandan shilling, marking the lowest rate recorded, while selling at Sh25. This exchange rate has implications for cross-border trade and is influencing the pricing dynamics of imported goods, including fruits, along the Kenya-Uganda border.
Source: www.the-star.co.ke