Traders at Nakuru’s Wakulima Market are warning of an imminent spike in food prices, attributing the trend to the recent rise in petrol and diesel costs that has pushed up transportation expenses across key supply routes.

A spot check at the market shows that the cost of several staple commodities has already begun to climb.

A crate of tomatoes, for instance, is now retailing at Sh 5,500, up from Sh 4,000 just days ago, with traders linking the increase to higher transport charges from regions such as Marigat and Ukambani. The price per kilogram has also jumped to Sh 110 from Sh 70.

A trader sorts through tomatoes at the Wakulima Market open-air market on April 16. Traders warn of an imminent spike in food prices attributed to the recent rise in petrol and diesel costs.

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/ MTAA WANGU

Transporters say the cost of moving produce has surged significantly, with some charging an additional Sh 10,000 per trip, pushing total transport costs to between Sh 45,000 and Sh 50,000 for tomatoes.

They cite high fuel prices, coupled with challenging weather conditions, including ongoing rains and fuel shortages, as key drivers of the increase.

Traders also attribute the spike in price to the scarcity of the produce in the market.

The ripple effects are being felt across other food items, with a 90-kilogram bag of potatoes from Mau Narok now going for Sh 5,000, up from Sh 4,000, while a 20-litre bucket has risen to Sh 1,200 from Sh 900.

A trader sorts through a pile of Irish potatoes at Wakulima Market on April 16. Potato prices have skyrocketed to 20-litre bucket going for Sh 1,200 from Sh 900 attributed to the recent rise in petrol and diesel costs.

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/ MTAA WANGU

Transporters operating along the Mau Narok–Nakuru route say that moving 10 tons of potatoes now costs about Sh 44,000, compared to Sh 33,000 previously.

Onions from Loitoktok have also recorded a price increase, with a kilogram now retailing at between Sh 130 and Sh 140, up from Sh 100 – Sh 110. Similarly, the price of cabbage has doubled in some instances, with small sizes that previously sold for Sh 10 now going for Sh 20 upwards.

Banana traders report that a small-sized bunch that previously sold for Sh 350 is now fetching at least Sh 500, while imported tangerine ‘Sandara’ from Tanzania is retailing at Sh 110 per kilogram.

A trader sorts through onions at the Wakulima Market open-air market on April 16. Traders warn of an imminent spike in food prices attributed to the recent rise in petrol and diesel costs

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/ MTAA WANGU

Transporters, in the supply chain, say they have been forced to adjust their rates. For instance, transporting 13 tons of tangerine now costs about Sh 110,000, up from Sh 90,000.

Traders say that unless fuel prices stabilize, consumers should brace for even higher food prices in the coming days and note that the increases witnessed this week are likely to spread across more commodities as supply chain costs continue to rise.

An aerial view of the Wakulima Market open-air market on April 16. Traders warn of an imminent spike in food prices attributed to the recent rise in petrol and diesel costs

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/ MTAA WANGU

Major retail outlets, including supermarkets in town, have also warned of a possible increase in commodity prices by May if fuel costs remain high.

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Leleti Jassor