In Nairobi, Kenya, the cost of onions has escalated, compelling consumers to pay more. At Wakulima, Gikomba, and Ruai markets, a kilogram of red dry onions is now priced between Sh150 and Sh170. This marks a significant increase from previous rates. Rebecca Nyambura, a grocery shop owner, highlights the challenges of sourcing onions at reasonable prices or decent quality, affecting her sales of larger onion sizes. Mwangi Gikonyo, trading at Wakulima market, notes a decrease in price from Sh180 to Sh170 per kilogram, with supplies sourced from Kajiado, Naivasha, and Nyeri. The anticipation of Tanzanian onions entering the market could potentially lower prices.
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reports an 11.1 percent price increase for leeks and bulb onions from February to March, with the average price per kilogram rising from Sh150 to Sh167. This increase is attributed to excessive rainfall damaging the onion crops. The country's reliance on imports, primarily from Tanzania, India, and South Africa, is notable, with Tanzania being a significant supplier.
The Kenya Onion Industry Outlook suggests a growing demand for onions, projecting consumption to rise to 148,000 tonnes by 2026. Onion cultivation is widespread across various Kenyan counties, with the crop valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties.
[ Sh100 = €0.71 ]
Source: the-star.co.ke
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