By R, KNA
Households are required to consume a popular meal for their wellbeing, which requires daily expenditure to be met.
The prices of vegetables in Kapenguria Municipality have shot-up due to the scarcity of the commodities in local markets.
Shortage of cabbages, kales (sukumawiki), onions and tomatoes, has hit the available markets with traders taking advantage to hike the prices based on the available stocks within reach.
A spot check by KNA revealed that the available cabbages are very small and of low quality but customers have no alternatives.
Mama Joyce Pkemoi, a grocer in Sakas, reports suppliers ceasing operations, forcing her to visit Makutano Fresh Produce market due to insufficient kitchen essentials supply.
She complained that fellow retail traders scramble for the groceries which to her are still of low quality but she has no otherwise since her business has to continue.
“For two days now my business stall has gone without sukumawiki, something that is strange. We have been vending in cabbages as a substitute since every house has to have at least some vegetables on their tables,” said Mama Joyce.
She revealed that there was also scarcity of onions and tomatoes which are also essential items for every major meal.
On average an onion and tomato goes for Sh10 each at various stalls within the municipality forcing customers to dig deeper into their pockets.
Both traders and customers have raised alarm over the inflation attributing it to the heavy rains pounding the region that have caused damage to the vegetables hence starving the markets with the commodities.
Most parts of West Pokot County have been receiving unprecedented rainfall for the last three months and this tends to have affected the sustainability within the horticultural sector in the region.
Moreover, residents noted that traditional vegetables such as Black Night Shade (managu) thought to thrive well under humid conditions have also been affected by the weather and now short in supply.
“These rains have extended within the months that are usually characteristic of dry spells to enable most vegetables to thrive. We foresee a tricky state if the rains continue,” stated Isaac Krop.
Krop stated that the chilly weather is not conducive for growth of most vegetables because many have experienced stunted growth or wilted because of high pests and disease attack.
“If this situation persists then it means traders will have to start travelling to other regions where the commodities can be found hence an upsurge in high prices,” argued the resident.
He asked the government to take mitigation measures since the weatherman’s projections were being manifested.