Farmers and traders in Kinangop are facing challenges due to the influx of cheaper onions and tomatoes from Tanzania, resulting in a more than 50% price drop over the last two months. The local cost of production remains high due to expensive inputs and poor infrastructure, impacting the competitiveness of their goods in the market.
Isaac Kamara, a trader from the 'Soko Mpaya' vegetable market, highlighted that the price for 1 kg of onions has fallen from Sh130 to Sh70, attributing the decline to the oversupply from Tanzania. The high cost of farm inputs, including fertilizer and fuel, is a significant burden for local farmers, making it difficult to compete.
Stella Wanjiru, another farmer, noted that Tanzanian tomatoes are sold at Sh2,500 per crate, cheaper than the Sh3,200 rate for local tomatoes. The situation is exacerbated by reduced consumer demand for fresh produce, attributed to economic hardships and high taxation.
[ Ksh 100 = €0.69 ]
Source: citizen.digital