Tomato prices in Chuka town, Tharaka Nithi County have risen sharply over the past month, leaving traders and consumers struggling with the soaring cost of the staple commodity.
Currently, a kilogram of tomatoes is retailing between Sh120 and Sh130, compared to as low as Sh30 just weeks ago.
Traders say they are purchasing from suppliers at about Sh100 per kilogram, with supply chains stretching from Tharaka, Kibimbi, Karurumo, and occasionally Embu and Mwea during shortages.
The surge has been attributed to the recent heavy rains that have disrupted farming and transport.
“The rains make farms inaccessible and roads impassable, driving up transport costs,” explained Mama Makena, a trader at Chuka market.
She added that high rainfall increases farming expenses due to the use of agrochemicals, discouraging many farmers from planting.
Fellow traders Mama Sonie and Linus Kirimi noted that rising fuel prices have compounded the problem, especially when tomatoes are sourced from distant regions.
Kirimi emphasized that while demand remains high throughout the year, supply during the rainy season fails to meet market needs.
The traders are now appealing to both the national and county governments to intervene.
They want action on rural road maintenance, fuel and fertilizer prices, and improved access to water for irrigation.
Mama Makena further urged the county government to allow small-scale farmers to supply directly to markets instead of relying solely on store suppliers.
Despite the challenges, traders remain hopeful that prices will stabilize in the near future, once the rains subside.
In the meantime, some households are turning to alternative ingredients as tomatoes become increasingly unaffordable.
by Glory Kiende and Elizabeth Nzembi
