Kenya has experienced a surge in food commodity prices following heavy rainfall that disrupted agricultural activities and damaged crops. The National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) reported significant losses, including approximately 9,973 livestock and about 41,562 acres of cropland. Additionally, infrastructure damage has been extensive.
This has led to increased prices for onions, tomatoes, oranges, and potatoes, potentially influencing inflation rates. In Nairobi, the price for a single bulb onion or a regular-sized tomato averages at Sh10. A kilo of red dry onions is priced between Sh180 and Sh200 in markets, with supermarket prices reaching up to Sh250. Tomatoes retail for as much as Sh190 per kilo, with market prices ranging from Sh120 to Sh140. The disruption in supply chains, due to damaged roads, has contributed to these price hikes across major towns. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) noted a 5.8 per cent increase in onion prices and a 4.3 per cent rise in tomato prices in April. Despite decreases in the prices of some food items, the floods have destroyed key crops, raising concerns over food security. Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh highlighted the adverse effects of floods on agriculture, emphasizing the challenges to crop production due to waterlogging.
[ Ksh 100 = €0.71 ]
Source: the-star.co.ke