Tomato traders at TOP market in Nakuru town have said poor working conditions and high taxation are core factors increasing prices for the commodity.
Willie Mativo, a farmer and businessman at the market, said the crop is taxed at the county level, on the roads and at the market, contributing to its high prices. He also attributed the high prices to the invasion of the crop by pests and the price of pesticides, which he said is too high for the peasant farmers.
“Unlike yester-years where a farmer could be taxed only once and use the same receipt for the rest of the day, nowadays tomatoes are highly taxed. We pay taxes every morning and yet there are no noticeable services we are getting in return,” Mativo said.
On Friday, a crate of tomatoes was going for Sh5,000 up from the Sh4,200 last month. Small traders were selling three tomatoes at Sh30. However, potato and onion traders are reaping big from their commodities.
Agnes Ngangu, a potato farmer in Narok County and a trader at the market, said business is good.
“Potatoes are coming from various parts of the country and people are heavily consuming them as many of the city residents prefer taking chips as their lunch,” she said.
Potatoes are retailing at Sh2,200 down from Sh4,500 last month for a 90kg bag.