Onion traders at Mukuyu market in Murang’a County are facing escalating prices of the commodity following a sharp drop in supplies from farms.
According to Jane Wanjiru, a trader at the market, the quantities of onions reaching them from farms, particularly from Kieni in Nyeri have reduced significantly compared to previous months.
She explained that this decline has been the main driver of the price surge, with harvests now falling short despite the large acreage under cultivation.
“Not long ago, we used to buy onions at about Sh80 per kilo from farmers and sell them at Sh100,” she recalled.
“Currently, we are forced to purchase the same stock at Sh120 from farms and sell at Sh140, while small dealers push the price further to Sh150 per kilo,” the trader said.
Peter Mwangi, another trader, linked the shortage to prolonged rains that struck after onions had matured in the fields.
“The heavy downpour that was experienced in months of April and May caused massive rotting of the onions. Once harvested while soaked, they spoil quickly unless thoroughly dried,” he explained.
Mary Njeri, also a trader, said the higher selling prices have not translated into bigger profits because of the many expenses involved.
She highlighted high transportation costs, packaging expenses, and brokers’ fees as some of the major challenges.
“Many customers walk away in frustration because of see the new prices, forcing us to reduce the prices further, diminishing our already small profit margins,” she remarked.
A spot check by KNA at the market also revealed that consumers are also bearing the brunt of the crisis.
“We have no choice but to cut onions out of our cooking because the prices are simply unaffordable, especially coupled with the high cost of living,” said Grace Muthoni, a regular shopper.
A few months ago, scores of farmers reported massive losses due to flooding and waterlogged soils, which affected both the quantity and quality of the harvests, disrupting supply chains.
“In recent weeks, the number of onions delivered has gone down, and what we receive is costly due to scarcity caused by the rains. Meeting customer demand has become nearly impossible,” Samuel Kariuki, another trader at the market said.
Kariuki added that the situation may deteriorate further with the looming introduction of higher agricultural taxes.
“These levies will heap more pressure on farmers who are already struggling with bad weather. Combined with the shortages, this could push onion prices even higher,” he warned.
Lucy Wambui, a fellow trader, urged the government to step in by offering relief to affected farmers, reviewing tax policies, and improving infrastructure to help withstand harsh weather conditions.
The crisis has triggered renewed calls for government intervention to shield both producers and consumers from the growing burden of onion price hikes.
