Tomato sellers in Kibera have every reason to smile because of the profits they are raking in.
Speaking on Tuesday to this writer, Martha Mwende a trader at DC market said she has been enjoying the big profits from the sale of tomatoes within Kibera and its environs.
She said she does not only get clients from the slum alone but also from Kawangware and Uthiru.
“During rainy season, the supply of tomatoes tends to be low therefore, we are forced to double prices. Like now I sell 1 tomato at Sh10 be it of any size. I have made huge profits even though the supply is low. I am forced to sell the available stock cautiously as I wait for my supplier to deliver more tomatoes,” said Mwende.
“If the price remains at Sh10 for a tomato, business will be so profitable unlike before when a tomato cost Sh5,” she added.
However, customers also argued that despite the hike in tomato prices, they will still buy since they need them.
“I will not stop buying tomatoes because the prices are high. I cannot do without them as my meals will not be tasty especially the vegetables such as sukuma wiki and spinach,” said Mama Priscah Nanjala, a buyer.
“I believe the increase in tomato prices is due to the low supply because of the rains. Despite this, I will not stop buying tomatoes. I know it will reach a time when the prices will drop”, said Angela Nekesa another customer.