Eldoret main market traders in Uasin Gishu County have acknowledged importing 85 percent of its food commodity from other counties and countries.
According to a spot check conducted by Hivisasa.com, the food commodities imported are mainly mangoes, oranges, pineapples, apples, grapes, beans, bananas, sorghum, potatoes, vegetables and Omena.
Julia Kemei, a beans vendor in an Eldoret market admitted that most of the food commodities in Uasin Gishu are imported.
“I sell a variety of beans namely Rosecoco, Wahirimu, Canadian and yellow beans which I import them from parts of Mt. Elgon, Trans Nzoia county and even from Uganda."
She urged farmers in North Rift region to focus on extensive farming of beans to curb the importation of it.
“When we do importation expect the prices to rise because we have to include transportation expenses and our expected profits," she noted.
Cliff Odhiambo, another vendor said that they import Omena and fish from Lake Victoria.
“One kilogram of Omena costs Sh200 which is expensive to the local consumer," he said.
“The ban on plastic bags has undeniably affected our businesses since consumers do not carry their bags with them hence sometimes fail to buy goods,” he added.
The vendors also urged the County Government of Uasin Gishu to help them in the disposal of waste food material to enhance the hygiene of the market.
"The market hygiene will mean a conducive environment for businesses and serve as an health security, " said another vendor.