(PHOTOS) Hiked prices, food shortage leave Kenyans distraught

In Summary

•The cost of eggs, tomatoes, cooking oil, onions, vegetables and other food items has pushed middle-class Kenyans to opt for other sustainable meal options.

•A crate of egg is currently retailing at Sh460 from Sh360 since February while one egg now retails at Sh15 to Sh17. It was initially Sh12.

by TRACY MUTINDA Lifestyle, Entertainment Writer

News

08 April 2022 - 11:50

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Eggs for sale at a wholesale kiosk at Kangemi market. The prices for eggs have shot up from a retail price of Sh270 to Sh350 per crate translating to Sh13 per piece from Sh9 on April 7, 2022.
Image: CHARLENE MALWA

The cost of living has gone up in the Kenya, with basic commodities proving to be rear.

A spot check by the Star has revealed that milk prices have gone up with all brands adding between Sh5 to Sh10 for a 500ml packet.

Tuzo milk is retailing at Sh53 from an average of Sh48. Ilara is selling at Sh55 from Sh48 while Molo is at Sh51 from Sh50 and Fresha at Sh50 from Sh45.

In some supermarkets, they only allow consumers to pick six packets of milk.

Milk for sale at a Kiosk in Kangemi. The country is currently experiencing acute shortage of milk supply following the increament of prices. April 7, 2022.
Image: CHARLENE MALWA

And the bite is not only on milk but also other commodities.

The cost of eggs, tomatoes, cooking oil, onions, vegetables and other food items has pushed middle-class Kenyans to opt for other sustainable meal options.

A crate of egg is currently retailing at Sh460 from Sh360 since February while one egg now retails at Sh15 to Sh17. It was initially Sh12.

A butcher slices chicken pieces at a chicken outlet shop in Kangemi. Farmers have reported on chicken feed shortage which has affected the sale of chicken. April 7, 2022.
Image: CHARLENE MALWA

The rising cost of eggs has been attributed to low production occasioned by the high cost of chicken feeds.

This is the plight of millions of Kenyans who are struggling to make ends meet, amid a rising cost of living.

Groceries on display for sale at Kangemi market on April 7, 2022.
Image: CHARLENE MALWA

Masai Barnos a trader at Kangemi market sorts solid waste collected from Kangemi market. The waste benefits pig farmers and is one of the rare businesses that has not been negatively affected by the ongoing fuel shortage crisis. April 7, 2022.
Image: CHARLENE MALWA

Margaret Wanjiru a hawker at Kangemi displays tree tomatoe fruits for sale which she laments have largely been negatively affected by the shortage of fuel resulting to stale fruits affacted by the currect hot weather. April 7, 2022.
Image: CHARLENE MALWA

Isaac Leo a trader at Muthurwa Market sorts his vegetables at Kangemi market. Traders have appealed to the government to offset the prices on commodities so as to make it easier on them to earn a living amidst tough economic times as they tend to live hand to mouth. April 7, 2022.
Image: CHARLENE MALWA

A fruits and vegetables vendor displays his commodities for sale at Kangemi market on April 7, 2022.
Image: CHARLENE MALWA

Groceries on display for sale at Kangemi market on April 7, 2022.
Image: CHARLENE MALWA

An egg vendor arranges his eggs at Muthurwa market on April 7, 2022. The price of eggs has gone up by almost Sh13. Before a tray would cost around Sh280, currently a tray trades for not less than Sh350.
Image: MERCY MUMO